The Department of Law is organizing a two-day scientific conference on May 4 and 5, 2026, to be held at Frederick University in Nicosia and Limassol respectively. The event is organised within the frame of the Jean Monnet Module EUDACY (The Application of the European Digital Agenda in Cyprus).

The conference is titled “Cultivating a Digital Consciousness in the Current Digital World” and is held under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026, highlighting the importance of public dialogue on the digital transition, fundamental rights, and European values in today’s digital era.

The event aims to cultivate digital awareness and critical thinking, encouraging the participation of the academic community, students, and civil society in the dialogue on the impact of digital technology on fundamental rights and freedoms.

As Dr. Constantinos Kouroupis, Associate Professor at the Department of Law at Frederick University, notes:
“The level of digital literacy reflects the quality of democracy in every modern society. For this reason, strengthening citizens’ digital awareness is essential. The key issue is having the critical thinking and moral compass necessary to use technology for the benefit of humanity, not to its detriment. Through this two-day conference, we aim to contribute to strengthening knowledge about both the rights and responsibilities of technology users in today’s digital reality.”

The first day of the conference will take place on Monday, 4 May 2026, at 17:30, at Frederick University in Nicosia. It will include two thematic panels featuring representatives of institutional bodies of the Republic of Cyprus, such as the Office of the Commissioner for Administration and the Protection of Human Rights (Ombudsman), the Digital Security Authority, and the Cybercrime Sub-Directorate, as well as academics and members of the judiciary. Speakers will present on topics including the protection of digital rights, privacy, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.

The second day of the event will take place on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, at 15:00, at Frederick University in Limassol, and will feature roundtable discussions and debates among students on current issues related to digital security and digital literacy, such as democracy in the modern digital era and the impact of artificial intelligence on human relationships.

The event is addressed to lawyers, representatives of national competent authorities, members of the judiciary, academics, researchers, students, media representatives, and the wider public, and aims to make a meaningful contribution to strengthening knowledge, awareness, and active participation in the public dialogue on the digital future of Europe and Cyprus.

The European-funded project Jean Monnet Module EUDACY is part of the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme and aims to promote excellence in teaching and research on EU digital policies, while enhancing understanding and application of the EU’s fundamental values in the digital transformation.

Dr. Kouroupis, Vice Head of the Department of Law at Frederick University and a member of the Expert Subgroup of the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) in Brussels, is the Scientific Coordinator of the project.

The scientific event of 4 May is recognised as a non-certified Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme for lawyers, in accordance with Regulation K.D.P. 386/2017, awarding 2 non-certified CPD units, which will be registered by Frederick University for lawyers who attend the seminar in full.

Interested participants can register here.

View the detailed program below:

• Monday 4 May

17:00–20:00
Frederick University, Nicosia 

17:00–17:30 Registrations – Coffee
17:30–17:45 Welcome addresses

Part A: Digital Literacy in Cyprus – Institutional Approaches

17:45–18:00
Protection of Critical Infrastructure: Exploring the Impact and Implementation of the NIS2 Directive
Diamantis Zafeiriadis, Head of the Digital Security Authority

18:00–18:15
Digital Media and Artificial Intelligence: The Role of the Commissioner as Guardian of Human Rights
Rafaella Ethelonti, Officer, Office of the Commissioner for Administration and Protection of Human Rights (Ombudsman)

18:15–18:30
Sexting: The Illusion of Privacy in the Contemporary Digital Era
Michalis Nikolaou, Officer, Cybercrime Sub-Directorate, Cyprus Police

18:30–18:45 Discussion

Part B: Artificial Intelligence and Law

18:45–19:00
Artificial Intelligence in Crisis or in Times of Crisis?
Dr Konstantinos Kouroupis, Associate Professor, Coordinator of the Jean Monnet Module EUDACY, Vice-Chair of the Department of Law, Frederick University

19:00–19:15
Algorithmic Transparency and Human Rights
Xenis Xenofontos, Senior District Judge, PhD Candidate, Department of Law, Frederick University

19:15–19:30
Artificial Intelligence in Judicial Practice
Giorgos Christofidis, Lawyer, PhD Candidate, Department of Law, Frederick University, and Member of the Special Teaching Staff

19:30–19:45
The Criminal Dimension of Personal Data Protection: GDPR and National Legislation
Dr Antonis Mintzis, Member of the Special Teaching Staff, Department of Law, Frederick University

19:45 Discussion

• Tuesday 5 May

15:00–17:00
Frederick University, Limassol

Roundtable discussions, debates, and presentations with the participation of students.