Information Technology Law

There is no doubt that we have moved to the high-technology era. Internet-driven data distribution and collection is increasing exponentially, raising many concerns over data protection and privacy in consumers and governments alike. This has led to new regulations coming into force in Turkey and around the world.

We, at UT Legal, have lawyers and Turkish consultants   who are qualified to work in both the UK and Turkey and who specialize in information technology law. UT Legal provides the most effective solutions to its clients under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the Turkish Personal Data Protection Act, serving both national and international companies.

What Is Information Technology Law in Turkey?

IT Law in Turkey covers all legal issues arising from digital activity — including online services, personal data processing, cybersecurity, and software licensing. The main regulations include:

• KVKK: The Turkish Personal Data Protection Law (similar to the EU’s GDPR)
• E-commerce regulations
• Cybercrime laws under the Turkish Penal Code
• Telecommunications rules
• Sector-specific regulations (e.g. banking, health, education)

Any UK company that collects or processes data from Turkish individuals — or operates a website, software service, or digital business targeting the Turkish market — may be subject to Turkish IT laws.

How Does the Turkish Data Protection Law (KVKK) Relate to the GDPR?

The Turkish KVKK (Law No. 6698 on the Protection of Personal Data) is the local equivalent of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). While they share many similarities, there are key differences in scope, enforcement and procedures.

Similarities include:

• Consent-based data processing
• Data subject rights (access, correction, deletion)
• Requirement for data breach notification
• Obligations on data controllers and processors

Differences include:

• KVKK requires registration with the VERBIS system (Data Controllers Registry)
• Turkey does not yet have full adequacy status under the GDPR
• Fines and enforcement practices vary significantly

A company based in the UK but collecting, storing, or processing data from Turkish users (e.g. via websites, customer service systems, or remote teams) must comply with both KVKK and GDPR. Non-compliance with either may result in administrative fines, criminal liability, or public disclosure orders.

UT Legal helps clients implement unified data compliance frameworks that satisfy both regulations without duplicating costs or exposing gaps.

Do UK Companies Need a Local Representative in Turkey?

Often yes. Under KVKK, a UK-based company is considered a data controller if it collects or processes data from people located in Turkey — even without a physical office there.

This means the company must:

• Appoint a local representative
• Register with VERBIS (Turkey’s Data Controllers Registry)
• Prepare a data inventory and compliance policies
• Draft bilingual privacy notices and security documentation
• Ensure cross-border data transfer safeguards are in place

UT Legal acts as your local legal representative, handling registration, compliance, and official communications with Turkish authorities on your behalf.

What Are the Main Risks in Cross-Border IT Services and Software Contracts?

Digital businesses regularly enter into technology contracts that involve data exchange, IP licensing, hosting, or cross-border services. If any of these services touch Turkish users or infrastructure, they may fall under Turkish legal jurisdiction.

Legal risks include:

• Unenforceable contracts due to improper jurisdiction clauses
• Weak IP protection if software licensing terms are not registered or locally validated
• Invalid consent collection mechanisms on Turkish-language websites
• Security breaches leading to both civil and criminal liability
• Conflicts between Turkish and English law over contract interpretation

We draft and review technology contracts to ensure:

• The governing law and jurisdiction are enforceable
• Data protection clauses are compliant with KVKK and GDPR
• Intellectual property rights are clearly assigned and protected
• Vendor and user responsibilities are clearly distributed
• Dispute resolution procedures are suitable for cross-border enforcement

This is especially important for UK businesses that operate apps, SaaS products, or digital marketplaces accessible from Turkey.

How UT Legal Helps UK Clients with Turkish IT and Data Law

At UT Legal, we provide holistic legal support for clients operating across digital borders. Our bilingual team understands both the technical language of IT and the legal frameworks governing it.

We assist with:

• GDPR and KVKK compliance audits for UK-based companies
• Privacy policies, cookie policies and user agreements in Turkish and English
• VERBIS registration and local representation
• Cross-border litigation or regulatory disputes involving Turkish data authorities (KVKK Kurumu)

Whether you’re a fintech, a healthcare platform, an e-commerce startup or a remote team using Turkish contractors, we help you comply with the rules and reduce your legal exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions: IT Law in Turkey

Does my UK website or app need to comply with Turkish data laws?

Yes — if you collect or process any personal data from users in Turkey.

What is VERBIS and do I have to register?

VERBIS is Turkey’s Data Controller Registry. Most businesses that control personal data in Turkey must register. We can handle the entire process on your behalf.

Can I use the same privacy policy for GDPR and KVKK?

Not exactly. The structure can be similar, but Turkish law has unique content requirements and language preferences. We draft custom bilingual policies.

Are data breach fines in Turkey serious?

Yes. Breaches can result in fines reaching hundreds of thousands of Turkish Lira and reputational damage. Criminal liability may also apply.

Can my Turkish tech contracts be in English?

Yes, but the Turkish version takes precedence in court. We prepare aligned bilingual contracts to avoid legal uncertainty.