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TR — Country Profile

Turkey

27TOTAL
18OFFICIAL SOURCES
13TOPIC AREAS
Law / Act5
Policy / Guidance2
National Strategy3
Standard / Framework3
Working Paper1
Court Case1
Other12
Agentic AiAntitrust & CompetitionCybersecurityData Privacy & ProtectionDeepfakesDefense & National SecurityDefense & SecurityGenerative AIHealth & Life SciencesNational StrategyOnline Safety & Child ProtectionSafe & Responsible AiTrade & Investment
Standard / Framework

Türkiye issues ethics framework to regulate AI use in schools

It is reported that Türkiye's Ministry of National Education has introduced comprehensive ethical guidelines to regulate the use of AI in schools, aiming to ensure transparency, accountability, and student safety. These guidelines, part of the 2025-2029 Artificial Intelligence Policy Document and Action Plan, require educators and officials to submit online ethical declarations before implementing AI applications. A multi-tier oversight system, including a national ethics board and school-based AI ethics teams, has been established to monitor compliance and address violations. Additionally, the ministry plans to launch the Artificial Intelligence Applications Ethical Declaration System (YAZEK) on 2 February 2026 to facilitate the collection and assessment of ethical declarations and reports of breaches.

11 January 2026Online Safety & Child ProtectionData Privacy & Protection
↗ Link availableSecondary source
Policy / Guidance✓ Official

Türkiye broadens tech governance with new AI directorates

Under Presidential Decree No. 191 published in the Official Gazette, Türkiye has expanded its AI governance by renaming the Directorate General of National Technology to the Directorate General of National Technology and Artificial Intelligence, which will develop policies to enhance data center and cloud computing infrastructure, set standards for data centers, and oversee certification processes. Additionally, a Public Artificial Intelligence Directorate General has been established under the Presidency's Cybersecurity Directorate to guide AI use across government institutions, align national legislation with international frameworks, and set data governance standards for digital government and public sector AI applications.

25 December 2025Data Privacy & ProtectionCybersecurity
↗ Link available
Law / Act✓ Official

Turkey introduces bill to establish content moderation obligations within an AI legal framework

A bill establishing an AI legal framework in Türkiye has been introduced to the Grand National Assembly. The proposed legislation would clarify responsibilities for both users and developers of AI, defining AI systems by amending Law No. 5651 and regulating liability for crimes committed through AI by modifying Penal Code No. 5237. Other key features include: (1) mandating removal of AI-generated content violating personality rights, threatening public safety, or using deepfake technology within six hours via modifications to Law No. 5651; (2) granting the Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK) emergency access blocking power for AI content threatening public order or election security, with fines up to TRY 10 million (modifies Law No. 5809); (3) amending the Cybersecurity Law (modifying Law No. 7545) to require AI service providers to implement content verification mechanisms and algorithmic controls reducing hallucination risks, subject to possible penalties of TRY 5 million for failure to do so; and (4) mandating clear labelling of AI-generated content, (modifies Law No. 5651), with fines between TRY 500'000 and 5'000'000 for violations, with the possibility of content provider blocking for systematic and intentional violations.

7 November 2025DeepfakesCybersecurityData Privacy & Protection
↗ Link availableFull text
Other

Azerbaijan and Türkiye aim to unite forces in AI

It is reported that Azerbaijan and Türkiye have signed a historic protocol to collaborate in the field of AI, aiming to rank among the world's top 20 countries in this sector. Zafer Kucuksabanoglu, Chairman of Türkiye's Artificial Intelligence Policy Association (AIPA), stated that the agreement seeks to combine the two nations' knowledge, networks, and capabilities to maximize economic benefits from AI, targeting a share in the projected $15.7 trillion global AI economy by 2030. The collaboration also emphasizes ethical considerations and data privacy safeguards to protect citizens' rights and national security.

29 September 2025Data Privacy & ProtectionDefense & National SecurityCybersecurity
↗ Link available
National Strategy

Türkiye to unveil AI regulation in 3 months' time

It is reported that at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, Chairman of the Commission and a member of the ruling Justice and Development Party Fatih Donmez stated that the Commission is aiming to finalize its studies and establish a legal and ethical framework for AI within three months. Further details of this regulation has yet to be revealed.

9 March 2025National Strategy
↗ Link available
Other

Turkish lawmakers to study AI regulations amid growing security concerns

It is reported that the Turkish Parliament has launched a legislative initiative to examine the risks and regulatory needs of AI, following its inclusion in Turkey's National Security Policy Document, widely known as the "Red Book". The parliamentary research commission will assess AI-related security threats, potential legal frameworks, global examples and expert opinions. The commission’s final report will provide recommendations for a legal framework to regulate AI usage in Turkey.

4 February 2025Defense & National SecurityCybersecurityData Privacy & Protection
↗ Link available
Other✓ Official

Turkey Data Protection Authority releases note on AI chatbots

Turkey's Data Protection Authority (KVKK) has published an information note about AI chatbots. The information note addresses the intensive activity of personal data collection and processing by chatbots, providing guidelines for the development of chatbot applications. The declaration enhances transparency, user control over personal data, and the security of personal data in the context of AI chatbot applications.

8 November 2024Data Privacy & ProtectionCybersecurityGenerative AI
↗ Link available
Other

Turkish technology minister urges global regulation to prevent AI misuse at ABNA-SE conference

At the 'Navigating AI and Media' conference in Istanbul, Turkish Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir has highlighted the risk of deepfakes and "algorithmic journalism", and has called for a "unified, transparent, and globally coordinated approach" to AI regulation and the need for principled journalism.

4 September 2024DeepfakesGenerative AI
↗ Link available
Law / Act✓ Official

Artifical Intelligence Law introduced

The Turkish Grand National Assembly has introduced the Artificial Intelligence Law (2/2234), a comprehensive legal framework governing the development and use of AI technologies. Key aspects of the proposed law include (1) basic principles of security, transparency, fairness, accountability, and privacy, which developers are required to follow and implement into the development process for AI systems; (2) requirement for developers of AI systems to carry out risk assessments; (3) certain AI systems, such as autonomous vehicles, medical diagnostic systems, and AI applications used in the justice system, would be classified as high-risk and require further precautions (e.g. undergo a conformity assessment and be registered with the relevant supervisory authority); (4) broad powers granted to designated authorities, including conducting conformity assessments of high-risk AI systems, requesting additional information from AI operators, and imposing sanctions for non-compliance; and (5) specific penalties for various violations, ranging from fines of up to TRY 35 million or 7% of annual turnover for deploying prohibited AI systems, to fines of up to TRY 7.5 million or 1.5% of annual turnover for providing false information related to AI.

24 June 2024Data Privacy & ProtectionHealth & Life Sciences
↗ Link availableFull text
Working Paper✓ Official

Personal Data Protection Authority publishes report on agentic AI

The Personal Data Protection Authority has published a report on agentic AI, detailing the characteristics, potential applications, and risks associated with these systems. The report identifies potential applications in research, customer support, finance, healthcare, and incident management, while also highlighting risks related to transparency, accountability, bias, security vulnerabilities, and output accuracy. It emphasizes that the autonomous nature of agentic AI complicates personal data processing by broadening data use, enabling inference-based profiling, and challenging oversight and legal responsibility. To address these risks, the report advocates for a risk-based, human-centered approach that includes meaningful human oversight, transparency, privacy by design, clear role allocation, and the use of risk assessment tools such as data protection impact assessments.

12 March 2026Agentic AiData Privacy & Protection
↗ Link available
Other✓ Official

KVKK investigates Google regarding alleged unauthorised personal data processing by Google Assistant

The Turkish Data Protection Authority (KVKK) has announced the initiation of an ex officio investigation into Google regarding the processing of personal data via its voice assistant service, Google Assistant. The investigation follows reports that the voice assistant recorded private conversations without user permission due to activation by incorrect trigger phrases. The KVKK aims to determine whether Google failed to implement the necessary technical and administrative measures required under Law No. 6698 on the Protection of Personal Data. Specifically, the investigation will examine allegations that the collected voice data was used for targeted advertising and other unauthorised purposes without a valid legal basis.

11 February 2026Data Privacy & ProtectionGenerative AI
↗ Link available
Law / Act✓ Official

KVKK investigates X over suspected violations of Law on Protection of Personal Data concerning the Grok AI Assistant

The Turkish Personal Data Protection Authority (KVKK) has opened an ex officio investigation into X Internet Unlimited Company and X.AI Corporation in relation to the development and deployment of the Grok AI Assistant. The investigation follows suspicions that the companies failed to implement the technical and administrative measures required under Law No. 6698 on the Protection of Personal Data and that their personal data processing activities may not comply with the requirements of that law.

11 February 2026Data Privacy & ProtectionOnline Safety & Child ProtectionGenerative AI
↗ Link availableFull text
Policy / Guidance✓ Official

Turkiye Personal Data Protection Authority releases guidance for parents of children using AI tools

The Personal Data Protection Authority (KVKK) has released guidance for parents of children using AI tools. The guidance addresses the use of artificial intelligence technologies by children in education, gaming, communication and social activities. The guidance states that these tools may facilitate learning and access to information but may also involve risks if not used appropriately, namely risks relating to violations of privacy, online security threats, exposure to misleading or false content, deepfakes, videos and audio, misuse of personal data, and potential emotional and psychological effects. The guidance sets out parental responsibilities relating to age-appropriate application selection, review of terms of use and privacy policies, use of content filtering and parental control options, management of photo and video sharing, ethical and respectful use of artificial intelligence tools, screen time balance, open communication with children, and digital parenting practices, and includes a parental checklist for practical implementation.

12 January 2026Data Privacy & ProtectionOnline Safety & Child ProtectionDeepfakes
↗ Link available
Other✓ Official

KVNKK releases generative AI and personal data protection guide

The Personal Data Protection Agency (KVKK) has released the Generative Artificial Intelligence and Personal Data Protection Guide (in 15 Questions). The Guide aims to explain the data protection implications generative AI systems and guide data controllers working with generative AI system on how they can fulfil data protection requirements, including those which arise under Law No. 6698 on the Protection of Personal Data. The Guide describes the structure of generative AI systems, their content-generation mechanisms, lifecycle stages, usage areas and the associated ethical, legal and technical risks, and shows how personal data may be processed during data collection, model training, fine-tuning, and deployment and user interaction. In relation to these issues, the Guide offers advice to data controllers on questions such as the legal bases for data collection, data transfers abroad, the exercise of data subject rights, and measures for parents of children using generative AI tools.

24 November 2025Data Privacy & ProtectionGenerative AIOnline Safety & Child Protection
↗ Link available
Other✓ Official

KVNKK releases generative AI and personal data protection guide

The Personal Data Protection Agency (KVKK) has released the Generative Artificial Intelligence and Personal Data Protection Guide (in 15 Questions). The Guide aims to explain the data protection implications generative AI systems and guide data controllers working with generative AI system on how they can fulfil data protection requirements, including those which arise under Law No. 6698 on the Protection of Personal Data. The Guide describes the structure of generative AI systems, their content-generation mechanisms, lifecycle stages, usage areas and the associated ethical, legal and technical risks, and shows how personal data may be processed during data collection, model training, fine-tuning, and deployment and user interaction. In relation to these issues, the Guide offers advice to data controllers on questions such as the legal bases for data collection, data transfers abroad, the exercise of data subject rights, and measures for parents of children using generative AI tools.

24 November 2025Data Privacy & ProtectionGenerative AIOnline Safety & Child Protection
↗ Link available
Standard / Framework

Turkey’s privacy watchdog to publish guidelines on generative AI

It is reported that Turkey’s Personal Data Protection Authority will soon publish guidelines on generative AI to help companies and citizens harness the benefits of AI and uphold human values, according to the authority’s president Faruk Bilir.

16 October 2025Data Privacy & ProtectionGenerative AI
↗ Link availableSecondary source
Court Case

Turkey court blocks Grok content, becoming first country to 'censor' the AI chatbot

It is reported that a Turkish court - the Ankara 7th Criminal Court of Peace - has ordered the blocking and removal of about 50 posts shared by Grok (i.e. an AI chatbot developed by Elon Musk-founded company xAI) after authorities said the chatbot generated responses insulting President Tayyip Erdogan, modern Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and religious values. The ban was justified under Article 8/A of Türkiye’s Internet Law, aimed at "protecting public order."

9 July 2025Online Safety & Child Protection
↗ Link available
Other✓ Official

Turkey Data Protection Authority releases note on AI chatbots

Turkey's Data Protection Authority (KVKK) has published an information note about AI chatbots. The information note addresses the intensive activity of personal data collection and processing by chatbots, providing guidelines for the development of chatbot applications. The declaration enhances transparency, user control over personal data, and the security of personal data in the context of AI chatbot applications.

8 November 2024Data Privacy & ProtectionCybersecurityGenerative AI
↗ Link available
Standard / Framework✓ Official

Turkey adopts protocol for AI enabled competition analysis in public procurement

The Public Procurement Authority and Competition Authority has adopted the protocol for AI enabled competition analysis in public procurement. The protocol applies to the public procurement sector, which represents around 36% of central government budget expenditures in Turkey. The protocol seeks to strengthen data analysis in procurement processes and ensure a transparent, competitive environment by introducing AI-driven tools and joint statistical modelling to detect anti-competitive behaviours such as rigged bidding and tender cartels.

5 November 2024Antitrust & Competition
↗ Link availableFull text
Other✓ Official

Türkiye and Saudi Arabia deepen strategic cooperation with new deals

Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have announced a significant expansion of their strategic cooperation across various sectors, including economic, energy, defense, and regional security, following President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's official visit to Riyadh. Both nations aim to align their respective development visions—Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and Türkiye's Century Vision—to enhance non-oil trade, support major infrastructure projects, and foster private sector partnerships. They have committed to strengthening coordination through the Turkish-Saudi Coordination Council, covering areas such as digital economy, AI, space technologies, and more. Additionally, both countries have expressed readiness to enhance defense ties and collaborate against terrorism, extremism, cyber threats, and transnational crime.

3 February 2026Trade & InvestmentDefense & Security
↗ Link available
Other✓ Official

South Korea and Turkey agree to boost cooperation, covering AI

During President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to Turkey, South Korea and Turkey have agreed to enhance cooperation in nuclear and renewable energy, AI, digital technologies and infrastructure construction. They issued a joint statement titled "A legacy of brotherhood, a vision for the future," emphasising collaboration in these areas.

25 November 2025Generative AI
↗ Link available
Other

Azerbaijan and Türkiye aim to unite forces in AI

It is reported that Azerbaijan and Türkiye have signed a historic protocol to collaborate in the field of AI, aiming to rank among the world's top 20 countries in this sector. Zafer Kucuksabanoglu, Chairman of Türkiye's Artificial Intelligence Policy Association (AIPA), stated that the agreement seeks to combine the two nations' knowledge, networks, and capabilities to maximize economic benefits from AI, targeting a share in the projected $15.7 trillion global AI economy by 2030. The collaboration also emphasizes ethical considerations and data privacy safeguards to protect citizens' rights and national security.

29 September 2025Data Privacy & ProtectionDefense & National Security
↗ Link available
Other✓ Official

Recommendations on Protection of Personal Data in AI (2021):

This guide includes recommendations for the protection of personal data within the scope of the Law No. 6698 on the Protection of Personal Data for developers, manufacturers, service providers and decision makers operating in the field of AI.

Data Privacy & Protection
↗ Link available
National Strategy✓ Official

National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2021-2025) (2021):

Turkey's comprehensive roadmap for AI, which includes proposing an appropriate ethical and legal framework for AI. It establishes the 'AI Values' of (1) respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law; (2) flourishing the environment and biological ecosystem; (3) ensuring diversity and inclusiveness; and (4) living in peaceful, just and interconnected societies. It also establishes the 'AI Principles' of (1) Proportionality; (2) Safety and Security; (3) Fairness; (4) Privacy; (5) Transparency and Explainability; (6) Responsibility and Accountability; (7) Data Sovereignty; and (8) Multi-Stakeholder Governance.

Data Privacy & ProtectionSafe & Responsible Ai
↗ Link available
Law / Act✓ Official

Artifical Intelligence Law (2/2234)

A comprehensive legal framework governing the development and use of AI technologies by laying out general principles and specific obligations. Key aspects of the proposed law include (1) basic principles of security, transparency, fairness, accountability, and privacy, which developers are required to follow and implement into the development process for AI systems; (2) requirement for developers of AI systems to carry out risk assessments; (3) certain AI systems, such as autonomous vehicles, medical diagnostic systems, and AI applications used in the justice system, would be classified as high-risk and require further precautions (e.g. undergo a conformity assessment and be registered with the relevant supervisory authority); (4) broad powers granted to designated authorities, including conducting conformity assessments of high-risk AI systems, requesting additional information from AI operators, and imposing sanctions for non-compliance; and (5) specific penalties for various violations, ranging from fines of up to TRY 35 million or 7% of annual turnover for deploying prohibited AI systems, to fines of up to TRY 7.5 million or 1.5% of annual turnover for providing false information related to AI.

DRAFTData Privacy & ProtectionCybersecurityHealth & Life Sciences
↗ Link availableFull text
Law / Act✓ Official

Bill no. 2/3358:

A bill establishing an AI legal framework in Türkiye has been introduced to the Grand National Assembly. The proposed legislation would clarify responsibilities for both users and developers of AI, defining AI systems by amending Law No. 5651 and regulating liability for crimes committed through AI by modifying Penal Code No. 5237. Other key features include: (1) mandating removal of AI-generated content violating personality rights, threatening public safety, or using deepfake technology within six hours via modifications to Law No. 5651; (2) granting the Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK) emergency access blocking power for AI content threatening public order or election security, with fines up to TRY 10 million (modifies Law No. 5809); (3) amending the Cybersecurity Law (modifying Law No. 7545) to require AI service providers to implement content verification mechanisms and algorithmic controls reducing hallucination risks, subject to possible penalties of TRY 5 million for failure to do so; and (4) mandating clear labelling of AI-generated content, (modifies Law No. 5651), with fines between TRY 500'000 and 5'000'000 for violations, with the possibility of content provider blocking for systematic and intentional violations.

DeepfakesOnline Safety & Child ProtectionData Privacy & Protection
↗ Link availableFull text
National Strategy

Türkiye’s 2026 AI strategy and the logic of middle power autonomy (2 January 2026):

Türkiye's 2026 Presidential Annual Program marks a significant transformation in the nation's approach to AI, positioning it as a fundamental component of state capacity and strategic autonomy. Unlike previous policies that viewed AI as a supplementary innovation, the 2026 program integrates AI across various state functions, including public administration, defense planning, and governance. This comprehensive adoption reflects a shift in state logic, treating AI as an operational layer essential for enhancing institutional performance and resilience. The program also emphasizes the establishment of a regulatory framework to govern public-sector AI use, incorporating ethical principles, risk assessment mechanisms, and monitoring standards, indicating that AI is now considered a permanent and integral feature of state operations.

↗ Link available