TÜRKIYE
Last reported in 2025
Pillar Technical standards applied to ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Self-certification for product safety
Supplier Declaration of Conformity allowed for foreign businesses
It is reported that Türkiye permits self‑certification for radio transmission, electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), allowing foreign manufacturers to demonstrate compliance through a Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC). Under the conformity assessment procedure applied to EMC/EMI, the supplier or manufacturer declares that the equipment satisfies the relevant technical and administrative requirements; registration with the national regulator is not required, and testing by a recognised testing laboratory is not mandatory. Where testing is undertaken, the selection of the laboratory is at the discretion of the supplier or manufacturer; however, if harmonised standards are not applied or do not exist, an independent third‑party opinion is required.
Coverage Electronic products
TÜRKIYE
Since May 2007, last amended in October 2022
Pillar Intermediary liability |
Indicator Safe harbour for intermediaries for any activity other than copyright infringement
Law No. 5651 on Regulating Broadcasting in the Internet and Fighting Against Crimes Committed through Internet Broadcasting (5651 sayılı İnternet Ortamında Yapılan Yayınların Düzenlenmesi ve Bu Yaynlar Yoluyla İşlenen Suçlarla Mücadele Edilmesi Hakkında Kanun)
The Regulation of Publications on the Internet and Suppression of Crimes Committed by means of Such Publications establishes a safe harbour regime for intermediaries beyond copyright infringements. According to Art. 4 of the law, a content provider is not responsible for the link to the content that belongs to someone else. However, if it is clear from the format of the presentation that the content in question it links to is embraced and intended to be reachable, the content provider is responsible according to the general provisions.
Coverage Internet intermediaries
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230222140802/https://mbkaya.com/turkish-internet-law/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220107233819/https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/MevzuatMetin/1.5.5651.pdf?dil=tr-TR
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0267364916300838?fr=RR-2&ref=pdf_download&rr=912601e6ad16ea5d
- https://web.archive.org/web/20171213010147/http://cyberlaw.stanford.edu/page/wilmap-turkey
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TÜRKIYE
Since June 2021, entry into force in December 2021
Pillar Intermediary liability |
Indicator User identity requirement
Regulation on the Process of Identity Authentication of Applicants in the Electronic Communications Sector (Elektronik Haberleşme Sektöründe Başvuru Sahibinin Kimliğinin Doğrulanma Süreci Hakkında Yönetmelik)
The "Regulation on the Process of Identity Authentication of Applicants in the Electronic Communications Sector" establishes the procedures and governing principles for identity authentication in the creation of electronic documents relating to subscription agreements, applications for number portability, changes of operator, the issuance of qualified electronic certificates, and SIM card replacement within the electronic communications sector (Art. 1). Therefore, it can be inferred that there is an identity requirement.
Coverage Electronic communications sector
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260415190317/https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2021/06/20210626-21.htm
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260415190857/https://www.mondaq.com/turkey/telecoms-mobile-cable-communications/1087780/turkey-publishes-regulation-on-identity-authentication-in-the-electronic-communica...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260415190920/https://freedomhouse.org/country/turkey/freedom-net/2024
- https://www.comparitech.com/blog/vpn-privacy/sim-card-registration-laws/#Type_of_ID_required_by_country
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230110224321/https://www.gsma.com/mobilefordevelopment/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Digital-Identity-Access-to-Mobile-Services-and-Proof-of-Identity-2021_SPREADs.pdf
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TÜRKIYE
Reported in 2013, last reported in 2025
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Blocking or filtering of commercial web content
Reported throttling and blocking of online platforms
It is reported that several social media and messaging platforms were subject to throttling or access restrictions in Türkiye between 19 and 20 March 2025 and again on 8 September 2025. During these periods, X, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and Signal were reportedly throttled, while YouTube (on the TurkNet network) and Telegram Web were fully blocked. It is further reported that Grindr has been blocked in Türkiye since 11 September 2013, with the restriction continuing through 2025. In addition, it is reported that the Turkish authorities imposed a nationwide ban on Discord with effect from 8 October 2024, which has remained in force into 2026.
Coverage Social media and messaging platforms
TÜRKIYE
Reported in 2026
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Presence of Internet shutdowns
Presence of Internet shutdowns
The indicator "7.2.4 - Government Internet shut down in practice" of the V-Dem Dataset, which measures whether the government has the technical capacity to actively make internet service cease, thus interrupting domestic access to the internet or whether the government has decided to do so, has a score of 3 in Türkiye for the year 2025. This corresponds to "Rarely but there have been a few occasions throughout the year when the government shut down domestic access to Internet."
Following the February 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye, the government is reported to have implemented politically motivated internet blackouts.
Following the February 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye, the government is reported to have implemented politically motivated internet blackouts.
Coverage Internet access
TÜRKIYE
Since August 2019
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Licensing schemes for digital services and applications
Regulation on the Presentation of Radio, Television and On-Demand Broadcasts on the Internet (Radyo, Televizyon ve İsteğe Bağlı Yayınların İnternet Ortamından Sunumu Hakkında Yönetmelik)
According to the Regulation on the Presentation of Radio, Television, and On-Demand Broadcasts on the Internet, all online radio, television, and on-demand streaming services, such as YouTube and Netflix, and online news sites, are required to obtain a license from the government-controlled state television and radio regulator, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK). The regulation makes RTÜK responsible for monitoring their online content and requires content providers to abide by RTÜK’s standards or face revocation of their license and blocking their platforms.
Coverage Online Radio, Television and On-Demand streaming services
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20201116225121/https://www.rtuk.gov.tr/duyurular/3788/7030/radyo-televizyon-ve-istege-bagli-yayinlarin-internet-ortamindan-sunumu-hakkinda-yonetmelik-yururluge-girdi.html
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231210001819/https://www.article19.org/resources/turkey-new-regulation-and-website-blocks-mark-further-assault-on-online-freedoms/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231019032120/https://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler-turkiye-49193378
- https://web.archive.org/web/20221227022615/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/internet-broadcast-law-passed-in-turkish-parliament-amid-censorship-outcry-129139
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230324033040/https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=82e57c93-b073-492c-817d-76b4662a80f7
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231129021059/https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/mevzuatmetin/1.5.6112-20120704.pdf
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TÜRKIYE
Reported in 2024, last reported in 2026
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Import ban applied on ICT goods or online services
Reported import ban
It is reported that Türkiye suspended all imports from Israel with effect from 2 May 2024. It is further reported that, from August 2025, Turkish port authorities began requiring shipping agents to submit an electronic declaration confirming that the vessel’s owner, agent, or operator has no affiliation with Israel.
Coverage Imports from Israel
TÜRKIYE
Since November 2013
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other import restrictions, including non-transparent/discriminatory import procedures
Regulation on After-sale service (Satiş Sonrasi Hi̇zmetler Yönetmeli̇ği̇)
According to the Regulation on After-sale Service, products requiring after-sales services, such as advanced data processing equipment, office equipment and computers, cash registers, TV and video equipment, and wireless equipment, need an import permit from the Ministry of Trade. To obtain such a permit, importers must guarantee that they will provide service and spare parts either by establishing offices or by signing agreements with existing service/parts firms. Complaints have been raised by some companies in 2014 that a lack of transparency in Türkiye‘s import licensing system results in costly delays, demurrage charges, and other uncertainties that inhibit trade.
Coverage Digital products that require after sales services
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230805235033/https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/2014%20NTE%20Report%20on%20FTB.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20221124103258/https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/File/GeneratePdf?mevzuatNo=19783&mevzuatTur=KurumVeKurulusYonetmeligi&mevzuatTertip=5
- https://web.archive.org/web/20210722021832/https://www.trade.gov/knowledge-product/turkey-import-requirements-and-documentation
- https://web.archive.org/web/20160821065929/http://www.globaltrade.net/f/business/text/Turkey/Trade-Policy-Import-Requirements-and-Documentation-in-Turkey.html
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TÜRKIYE
Since September 2019
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other import restrictions, including non-transparent/discriminatory import procedures
Notification No. 2019/4 on Import Surveillance (İthalatta Gözetim Uygulamasına İlişkin Tebliğ (Tebliğ No: 2019/4))
According to the Notification No. 2019/4 on Import Surveillance of September 2019, the Turkish Ministry of Trade imposed a licensing requirement on the imports of LED lamps.
Coverage Light-emitting diode (LED) lamps
TÜRKIYE
Since May 2020
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other import restrictions, including non-transparent/discriminatory import procedures
Notification No. 2020/6 on Import Surveillance (İthalatta Gözetim Uygulamasına İlişkin Tebliğ (Tebliğ No: 2020/6))
According to the Notification No. 2020/6 on Import Surveillance of May 2020, the Turkish Ministry of Trade issued a licensing requirement on the imports of mobile phones.
Coverage Mobile phones
TÜRKIYE
Since October 2014
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other import restrictions, including non-transparent/discriminatory import procedures
Notification on Implementation of Tariff Quota in Imports of Printed Circuit Boards with LED Diodes used in the Production of Backlight Units (Arka Isik Ünitelerinin Imalinde Kullanilan LED Diyotlu Baskili Devre Kartlarinin Ithalatinda Tarife Kontenjani Uygulanmasi Hakkinda Karar)
According to the Communiqué on Implementation of Tariff Quota in Imports of Printed Circuit Boards with LED Diodes Used in the Production of Backlight Units, in October 2014, the government of Türkiye announced an altered import quota on printed circuit boards with LEDs used in the production of backlight units.
Coverage LED-printed circuit boards
TÜRKIYE
Since November 2008, as amended in December 2020 and entered into force in June 2021
Pillar Domestic data policies |
Indicator Minimum period for data retention
Electronic Communications Law No. 5809 (5809 sayılı Elektronik Haberleşme Kanununun)
According to Art. 51.10 of the Electronic Communications Law No. 5809:
- Personal data subject to inspection, examination, investigation or dispute shall be retained until the related period has been completed;
- Logs regarding the access of personal data and related other systems are retained for two years;
- Logs that prove the consent of subscribers/users for processing personal data are retained throughout the subscription period;
- Categories of data to be retained and data retention periods, not less than one year and not more than two years from the date of the communication, are determined by secondary law.
- Personal data subject to inspection, examination, investigation or dispute shall be retained until the related period has been completed;
- Logs regarding the access of personal data and related other systems are retained for two years;
- Logs that prove the consent of subscribers/users for processing personal data are retained throughout the subscription period;
- Categories of data to be retained and data retention periods, not less than one year and not more than two years from the date of the communication, are determined by secondary law.
Coverage Telecommunications sector
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20211025150825/https://www.mondaq.com/turkey/data-protection/328918/data-privacy-in-telecommunication-industry
- https://web.archive.org/web/20210212165138/https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/mevzuat?MevzuatNo=16405&MevzuatTur=7&MevzuatTertip=5
- https://web.archive.org/web/20221012151158/https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/mevzuat?MevzuatNo=5809&MevzuatTur=1&MevzuatTertip=5
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TÜRKIYE
Since January 2018
Pillar Domestic data policies |
Indicator Requirement to perform a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) or have a data protection officer (DPO)
Regulation on the Registry of Data Controllers (Veri Sorumluları Sicili Hakkında Yönetmelik)
According to Art. 11 of the Regulation on the Registry of Data Controllers, a contact person must be appointed if the data controller is a legal entity located in Türkiye and is not exempt from registration with the Turkish Personal Data Protection Authority. Additionally, if the data controller is not located in Türkiye, it must appoint a representative who must be either a Turkish legal entity or a Turkish citizen.
The data controller’s contact person or representative is responsible for managing communications with the Turkish Personal Data Protection Authority and data subjects. Data controllers remain liable for compliance with the Protection of Personal Data Law regardless of the appointment of a contact person or a representative.
The data controller’s contact person or representative is responsible for managing communications with the Turkish Personal Data Protection Authority and data subjects. Data controllers remain liable for compliance with the Protection of Personal Data Law regardless of the appointment of a contact person or a representative.
Coverage Horizontal
TÜRKIYE
Since May 2007, as amended in July 2016, last amended in October 2022
Pillar Domestic data policies |
Indicator Requirement to allow the government to access personal data collected
Law No. 5651 on Regulating Broadcasting in the Internet and Fighting Against Crimes Committed through Internet Broadcasting (5651 sayılı İnternet Ortamında Yapılan Yayınların Düzenlenmesi ve Bu Yaynlar Yoluyla İşlenen Suçlarla Mücadele Edilmesi Hakkında Kanun)
Pursuant to Art. 5 of Law No. 5651, all data stored by hosting providers, which are defined as real persons or legal entities who provide and operate the systems which host services and content, must be made available to the Information and Communication Technologies Authority upon request, without the need for a court order. Failure to comply can result in fines ranging from TRY 10,000 (approx. USD 1,300) to TRY 100,000 (approx. USD 12,800).
Coverage Hosting providers
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220306001149/https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/mevzuatmetin/1.5.5651.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220120164747/https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2016)026-e
- https://web.archive.org/web/20221114135149/https://freedomhouse.org/country/turkey/freedom-net/2022
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TÜRKIYE
Since May 2007, as amended in July 2020, entry into force in October 2020
Since April 2023
Since April 2023
Pillar Cross-border data policies |
Indicator Ban to transfer and local processing requirement
Law No. 5651 on Regulating Broadcasting in the Internet and Fighting Against Crimes Committed through Internet Broadcasting (5651 sayılı İnternet Ortamında Yapılan Yayınların Düzenlenmesi ve Bu Yaynlar Yoluyla İşlenen Suçlarla Mücadele Edilmesi Hakkında Kanun)
Procedures and Principles about Social Network Provider (Sosyal Ağ Sağlayıcı Hakkında Usul ve Esaslar)
Procedures and Principles about Social Network Provider (Sosyal Ağ Sağlayıcı Hakkında Usul ve Esaslar)
Pursuant to Additional Art. 4.6 of Law No. 5651, social network providers, whether based in Türkiye or abroad, that receive more than one million daily visitors from Türkiye are obligated to take the necessary measures to retain the data of their Turkish users within Türkiye. According to Art. 13 of the Procedures and Principles concerning Social Network Providers, priority must be given to basic user information and any other data specified by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority.
Coverage Social network providers
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240827120928/https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/mevzuat?MevzuatNo=5651&MevzuatTur=1&MevzuatTertip=5
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230927210855/https://www.btk.gov.tr/uploads/boarddecisions/sosyal-ag-saglayici-hakkinda-usul-ve-esaslar/119-06-sosyal-ag-saglayici-hakkinda-usul-ve-esaslar-28-03-2023-id....
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230726152708/https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=e132f92b-6691-45f8-a24c-3beef84be555
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230923051621/https://iclg.com/briefing/18764-new-regulation-from-icta-on-social-network-providers
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