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Communications and media activity in Arta operates under national Greek law and European Union rules, applied locally by regional authorities and the courts in Arta. Whether you run a local radio station, manage a news site, build telecom infrastructure, produce films, or create online content, the framework that governs your work is largely national in scope, with oversight by specialized regulators. Key authorities include the National Council for Radio and Television, known as ESR, the Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission, known as EETT, and the Hellenic Data Protection Authority, known as HDPA. Copyright and neighboring rights are protected by national legislation, and press, advertising, and consumer protection rules also apply. In practice, businesses and individuals in Arta must comply with these national and EU obligations while also meeting local permitting and venue rules set by the Municipality of Arta and regional services.
This guide explains when you may need a lawyer, the laws that most often apply, and practical local considerations so you can make informed decisions before you publish, broadcast, install equipment, advertise, film, or process personal data.
You might require legal help if you plan to launch a radio or TV service, obtain or renew broadcast licenses, change ownership or programming, or respond to a regulatory inspection by ESR or EETT. Local publishers, bloggers, podcasters, and influencers often seek advice on defamation risk, right of reply obligations, advertising disclosures, and the safe use of user generated content. Website and app operators need guidance on GDPR compliance, cookies, analytics, email marketing consents, and handling data subject requests. Venue owners and event organizers regularly face questions about music licensing, live streaming rights, and collective management fees. Film and video producers may need permits for public spaces in Arta, clearances for locations or archaeological sites, and rules for drone filming. Telecommunications providers and installers must navigate permits for masts and antennas, frequency use, and environmental and building compliance. Businesses may also need help with e commerce terms, consumer protection rules, comparative advertising, native ads, and prize promotions. When disputes arise, such as takedowns, copyright claims, domain name conflicts, or complaints from regulators, a lawyer can help you respond quickly and reduce the risk of fines or litigation.
Audiovisual media services and broadcasting are primarily governed by Law 4779-2021, which implements the EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive. ESR supervises content standards, advertising limits, sponsorship, product placement, protection of minors, and certain licensing matters. Broadcasters and on demand audiovisual media services must comply with rules on European works, accessibility, commercial communications, and the right of reply.
Electronic communications, networks, and services are governed by Law 4727-2020, which implements the EU Electronic Communications Code. EETT regulates spectrum, market access, numbering, and competition issues. Setting up antennas and base stations typically requires compliance with EETT procedures, building and siting rules, and environmental and urban planning requirements. Net neutrality obligations apply under EU Regulation 2015-2120.
Data protection and privacy are governed by the EU General Data Protection Regulation and Greek Law 4624-2019, with sector specific privacy rules for electronic communications under Law 3471-2006. Cookies and similar technologies require prior consent except for strictly necessary ones. Direct marketing by email or SMS is opt in for natural persons, with clear identification and opt out mechanisms required.
Copyright and related rights are set out in Law 2121-1993 and later amendments, as well as Law 4481-2017 on collective management. Using music in public spaces, broadcasts, and online streams typically requires licenses from the relevant collective management organizations. Exceptions for quotation, news reporting, and incidental inclusion are narrow and fact specific. Photographs, videos, and software are protected works, and performers and producers have neighboring rights.
Press, speech, and reputation are addressed by civil and criminal provisions, including Civil Code articles on personality rights and specific press liability rules under Law 1178-1981. Defamation, insult, and slander are criminal offenses, while civil claims can seek damages and retractions. The right of reply applies for broadcasters and is recognized more broadly as a means to correct inaccurate reporting.
E commerce and online services must comply with Presidential Decree 131-2003 on information society services, Law 2251-1994 on consumer protection, and relevant EU regulations on platform transparency and content moderation, including the Digital Services Act. Traders must provide clear pre contract information, accessible terms, and compliant withdrawal policies when applicable.
Advertising and marketing communications must respect restrictions on alcohol, tobacco, medicines, and children, and comply with truth in advertising and unfair competition rules. Greece also observes a self regulatory advertising code administered by the national advertising standards body, which can lead to fast track decisions on complaints.
Public space use and local permits are relevant in Arta for outdoor advertising, signage, events, and filming. Outdoor advertising is regulated by Law 2946-2001 and municipal rules. Filming in public areas may require municipal permits, police coordination for traffic or crowd control, and special approvals for archaeological sites through the Ministry of Culture and Sports. Drone operations are subject to EU rules, with registration, categories, and geofencing managed by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority.
Domain names under .gr and .ελ are administered under EETT policies. Disputes can be resolved through administrative procedures or litigation. Trademarks are governed by Law 4679-2020, and image rights and publicity rights are protected under Civil Code provisions on personality rights.
Purely online web radio that does not use radio spectrum generally does not require a spectrum license from EETT. However, if your service qualifies as an audiovisual media service or resembles a linear broadcast, content rules under Law 4779-2021 and consumer and advertising laws can still apply. You must also comply with copyright licensing for music and GDPR for your website or app.
Free to air radio and TV require content licensing and compliance with ESR, and frequency use is managed with EETT. Applicants must meet ownership, technical, and content criteria, and adhere to programming and advertising rules. Renewals typically require demonstrating ongoing compliance. Early planning is essential because engineering studies, site permissions for antennas, and corporate documentation take time.
No. Public performance and communication to the public of music require licenses from the relevant collective management organizations. Separate licenses may be needed for authors and for neighboring rights of performers and producers. Online streaming adds another layer of rights. Fees depend on factors like area, audience size, and usage patterns.
You must provide a clear privacy notice that explains your data processing, legal bases, recipients, retention, and user rights. Non essential cookies, including analytics and advertising trackers, require opt in consent recorded before activation. A compliant cookie banner should allow users to accept, reject, or manage preferences. Email newsletters require prior consent and easy unsubscribe.
Act quickly. Preserve the publication and any underlying notes, verify facts, and assess whether statements are opinions or factual assertions. If a right of reply request is valid, publish the reply in the required form and timeframe. Consider corrections or updates where justified. Consult counsel before removing content or issuing statements, especially if litigation is threatened.
Yes. Sponsored posts, affiliate links, and any material connection must be clearly disclosed at the time of publication in a way that the average consumer understands. Hidden advertising is prohibited. Platforms and advertisers may impose additional requirements. Keep written agreements and proof of disclosures.
Filming in public spaces may require permits from the Municipality of Arta, coordination with local police for street use, and additional approvals for sensitive or archaeological locations through the Ministry of Culture and Sports. Drone filming is subject to EU rules that require operator registration, appropriate category authorization, respect for no fly zones, and privacy safeguards when capturing identifiable individuals.
Broadcasting political messages is tightly regulated, including time allocation, identification, and spending caps set by electoral law and supervised by ESR. Online political ads must be transparent about sponsorship. Consult counsel ahead of campaigns to avoid breaches and sanctions.
Disputes are governed by EETT assignment and management rules. A party can seek transfer or cancellation if a domain was registered in bad faith or infringes rights such as trademarks. Procedures can be administrative or judicial. Preserve evidence of use, reputation, and communications when preparing a claim or defense.
Civil and criminal matters are heard by the local courts in Arta, including the Magistrates Court and the Court of First Instance, with appeals heard by higher courts in the region. Regulatory issues are handled by ESR for broadcasting content and licensing, by EETT for electronic communications and spectrum, by HDPA for data protection, and by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority for drones. Some administrative disputes are brought before administrative courts with territorial jurisdiction over the region.
National Council for Radio and Television, known as ESR, for broadcast licensing, content standards, advertising rules, and right of reply matters.
Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission, known as EETT, for spectrum management, electronic communications regulation, antenna siting procedures, and .gr and .ελ domain name policies.
Hellenic Data Protection Authority, known as HDPA, for GDPR guidance, cookie and direct marketing rules, and handling data breaches and complaints.
Hellenic Copyright Organization, known as OPI, for information on copyright law and supervision of collective management organizations.
Ministry of Digital Governance for digital policy and implementation of the EU Digital Services Act and the electronic communications framework.
Ministry of Culture and Sports for filming approvals in archaeological sites, museums, and protected locations.
Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority for drone registration, categories, and operating rules.
Municipality of Arta for local permits related to filming, outdoor advertising, events, and use of public spaces.
Regional Film Office of Epirus for guidance and facilitation of film productions in the region.
Arta Bar Association for referrals to local lawyers experienced in communications, media, intellectual property, and regulatory law.
Define your goal and risk areas. Specify whether your project involves broadcasting, online publishing, telecom infrastructure, advertising, or content production, and list any personal data processing or music use involved.
Gather documents and facts. Collect company details, ownership structure, prior licenses, technical plans, contracts with creators and advertisers, privacy notices, cookie reports, and any correspondence with regulators or rights holders.
Map legal obligations. Identify which rules apply, such as Law 4779-2021 for audiovisual services, Law 4727-2020 for electronic communications, GDPR and Law 4624-2019 for data protection, Law 3471-2006 for e privacy, Law 2121-1993 for copyright, Law 2251-1994 for consumer protection, and municipal bylaws for permits in Arta.
Engage a lawyer early. A local lawyer in Arta who focuses on communications and media can design a compliance plan, prepare license applications, draft contracts and policies, and interface with ESR, EETT, HDPA, and municipal offices.
Prepare applications and policies. For broadcasts, assemble technical studies, ownership disclosures, and programming plans. For websites and apps, implement a GDPR compliant privacy notice and cookie consent. For advertising, set internal review and disclosure policies.
Secure rights and clearances. Obtain music and footage licenses, location permits in Arta, talent releases, and trademark clearances. Keep a rights ledger and proof of payments to collective management organizations.
Plan for incidents. Set up procedures for takedown requests, right of reply handling, data breach response, and regulator inquiries. Assign contacts and deadlines.
Document and train. Keep records of consents, compliance decisions, and regulatory filings. Train staff and freelancers on editorial standards, advertising disclosures, and data protection.
Consider alternative dispute resolution. For domain names, advertising complaints, or copyright claims, explore administrative or mediation routes that can be faster and less costly than court.
Disclaimer. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws and practices change, and your situation may require tailored counsel from a qualified lawyer in Arta, Greece.
