Understanding Data Protection Law in Turkey: A Practical Guide

Illustration of professionals in an office setting, highlighting data protection compliance in Turkey.
Data Security in Turkey: Compliance in Practice

In today’s digital age, navigating data protection laws is essential, especially in countries like Turkey. Let’s delve into what you need to know about data protection law in Turkey without the jargon.

What is Data Protection Law in Turkey?

Data protection law in Turkey sets out rules for handling personal data. The Turkish Data Protection Law (KVKK) established in 2016 is akin to the EU’s GDPR and governs data collection, processing, and storage practices.

Who Does Data Protection Law Apply to in Turkey?

Anyone handling personal data in Turkey, be it businesses, government bodies, or organizations, falls under the scope of data protection law. This includes both those who collect data (controllers) and those who process it on behalf of others (processors).

Key Principles of Data Protection Law in Turkey

Data protection law in Turkey emphasizes fairness, transparency, and accountability. It requires organizations to limit data collection to specified purposes, ensure data accuracy, and maintain its confidentiality and integrity.

Rights of Data Subjects in Turkey

Individuals in Turkey have rights regarding their personal data. These include the right to access their data, correct inaccuracies, request deletion, and object to processing. They also have the right to data portability, allowing them to transfer their data between service providers.

Ensuring Compliance with Data Protection Law

Businesses operating in Turkey must comply with data protection law to avoid penalties. This involves conducting data protection impact assessments, implementing security measures, appointing a data protection officer, and obtaining consent from data subjects for processing their data.

Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK), the Turkish counterpart of the European General Data Protection Regulation, passed in 2016 but came into full effect throughout 2019. Data Privacy Under KVKK, personal data is any data that can identify a person directly or indirectly. In this respect,...