KVKK Compliance
"What are the key compliance requirements under Turkey’s data protection law (KVKK)?"
Quick Answer
KVKK compliance typically includes assessing lawful processing grounds, delivering privacy notices, meeting data subject rights obligations, implementing security measures, completing VERBIS registration where required, and following the current cross-border transfer rules.
KVKK Compliance Requirements
KVKK compliance is regulated under Turkey’s Personal Data Protection Law No. 6698. While it shares similar concepts with the GDPR, KVKK has its own definitions, lawful processing grounds, and cross-border transfer mechanisms that must be assessed separately for each organization.
Key Points to Remember
- KVKK applies to personal data processed in Turkey and may also affect foreign businesses that process personal data relating to Turkey-based operations or relationships
- Data controller registration with VERBIS may be required
- Cross-border data transfers require a valid transfer mechanism under KVKK and the currently applicable rules in force on the transfer date
- Data subject rights must be respected and facilitated
Practical Implementation
Implementation typically starts with a data mapping exercise, then moves to privacy notices, retention policies, vendor contracts, access controls, and incident response. Consent may be needed in some cases, but many activities rely on other lawful processing grounds and should be documented accordingly.
The Personal Data Protection Authority actively enforces KVKK. Practical compliance is an ongoing process that benefits from periodic reviews, especially when business processes, vendors, or cross-border data flows change.
Need a KVKK Compliance Roadmap?
If you process employee, customer, or supplier data connected to Turkey, we can help you map data flows, prepare KVKK documents, review vendor agreements, and build a practical compliance roadmap tailored to your operations.
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