Cyber law in Turkey is a rapidly developing field that intersects criminal defense, data privacy, and corporate liability. As digital infrastructure grows and online transactions expand, both individuals and companies face increased legal exposure. From social media offenses to financial fraud, and from personal data violations to unauthorized system access, the Turkish Penal Code and KVKK (Data Protection Law) impose strict penalties on cyber misconduct. Our Turkish Law Firm specializes in defending clients in tech-related cases, providing legal strategy and digital forensics expertise. With an English speaking lawyer in Turkey, foreign nationals and international tech firms can navigate Turkey’s complex cyber legislation with clarity and compliance.
Defining Cybercrime under Turkish Law
Cybercrime encompasses a broad range of illegal acts conducted through digital systems, including hacking, unauthorized access, identity theft, online harassment, data theft, and digital defamation. Articles 243 to 245 of the Turkish Penal Code criminalize unauthorized system entry, data disruption, and misuse of stored digital content. These offenses may result in fines, imprisonment, or even aggravated penalties if committed against public institutions, banks, or defense networks. Our Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey regularly handles cases involving high-risk digital accusations. English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures clients understand evidence standards, procedural rights, and technical defenses available in Turkish cyber courts.
Who Regulates Cyber Law in Turkey?
Turkey’s cyber law landscape is shaped by multiple authorities: the Ministry of Justice for penal enforcement, BTK (Information Technologies Authority) for internet content regulation, and KVKK for personal data protection. For companies operating digital platforms, compliance involves registering with VERBIS (Data Controllers Registry), appointing a data officer, and issuing explicit consent disclosures. Our Company Lawyer Turkey ensures startups, e-commerce firms, and foreign SaaS providers meet regulatory obligations. Turkish Lawyers also handle disputes against content bans, takedown orders, and access restrictions issued by BTK. Related: Platform Liability under Turkish Internet Law
Digital Evidence and Legal Strategy
In cyber cases, evidence often includes IP logs, chat transcripts, browser history, server metadata, and email headers. Turkish courts rely on expert technical analysis and forensic certification of digital content. Our Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey works with IT auditors and cybercrime units to challenge or validate electronic evidence. We submit motions for log access, cross-examination of forensic reports, and exclusion of tampered data. With English speaking lawyer in Turkey support, expats and multinational clients can present their technical documentation, server location defenses, and encryption claims in native language translations.
Common Offenses in Turkish Cyber Law Practice
Typical cases include social media defamation, hacking, phishing schemes, crypto fraud, revenge porn, and unauthorized surveillance. The rise of remote work and online business has expanded digital vulnerabilities. Our Turkish Law Firm has defended influencers, e-commerce founders, digital marketers, and ordinary users facing unjust accusations or politically sensitive prosecutions. Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey balances constitutional rights like freedom of expression against state security and privacy claims. Related: When Digital Fraud Meets Economic Crime Law
Power of Attorney and Remote Defense
Foreigners or expats accused in Turkish cybercrime investigations can appoint an English speaking lawyer in Turkey through notarized Power of Attorney (POA). This enables full legal representation in digital hearings, evidence collection, and court submissions—without the need for physical presence. Our firm manages POA issuance from embassies, court authorizations for evidence requests, and direct communication with prosecutors and cybercrime departments. See also: POA for Legal Proceedings in Turkey
📘 PART 2: Data Protection, Platform Liability and Cross-Border Cyber Risk
Data Protection and KVKK Compliance
Under Turkey’s Law on the Protection of Personal Data (KVKK – Law No. 6698), all companies collecting personal data must comply with strict processing rules. These include lawful basis, explicit consent, purpose limitation, secure storage, and time-bound deletion. Controllers must register with VERBIS, prepare Data Inventory Documents, and publish Data Subject Rights policies. Our Company Lawyer Turkey builds KVKK-compliant frameworks for SaaS providers, health apps, HR platforms, and e-commerce websites. Turkish Lawyers assist with administrative inspections, data breach notifications, and penalty mitigation strategies. English speaking lawyer in Turkey translates data policies, prepares risk reports, and liaises with KVKK on behalf of international clients.
Content Takedown and Internet Censorship
BTK and Turkish courts can issue content removal or access blocking orders for defamation, incitement, national security, or morality violations. Social platforms, hosting providers, and news sites often receive 5651 Law-based notices. Our Turkish Law Firm files legal objections to censorship decisions, arguing freedom of speech and due process violations. Company Lawyer Turkey drafts platform terms of use, moderates user-generated content (UGC) policies, and manages takedown workflows. English speaking lawyer in Turkey represents international publishers and social media companies in administrative appeals and content unblocking cases.
Corporate Cyber Risk: Prevention and Liability
Data leaks, ransomware attacks, employee sabotage, and credential theft are common threats for Turkish companies. JSCs and LLCs may be held liable for negligent data storage, insecure APIs, or ignored breach reports. Our Company Lawyer Turkey designs internal cybersecurity policies, vendor agreements, and breach response protocols. Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey defends board members against accusations of criminal negligence under TPC 257. Turkish Lawyers work with forensic experts and insurers to manage damage control, reputation risk, and legal restitution. See also: Company Structures and Legal Exposure in Turkey
Cross-Border Cybercrime and International Jurisdiction
Cybercrimes involving foreign servers, victims, or actors create complex jurisdictional issues. Turkey enforces international cybercrime cooperation under the Budapest Convention and mutual legal assistance treaties. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey manages cross-border evidence exchange, Interpol coordination, and jurisdiction challenges. Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey represents foreign nationals investigated under Turkish IP or digital fraud laws. Turkish Law Firm works with embassies, data regulators, and defense experts in the EU, US, and Gulf countries.
Cyberlaw and Employment in the Digital Workplace
Employers must balance monitoring with privacy. Under Turkish law, companies may monitor emails or internet usage only with prior notice and limited scope. Employee data must be processed under KVKK rules, and workplace cyber rules must be included in the internal regulation. Our Company Lawyer Turkey prepares employment contracts, BYOD policies, and internal investigations protocols. English speaking lawyer in Turkey helps international HR departments implement Turkish cyber law standards for remote workers, freelancers, and IT teams.
Criminal Investigations and Digital Defense Rights
When accused of a cyber offense, suspects have the right to remain silent, demand legal counsel, and review the digital evidence presented. Our Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey files motions to suppress illegally obtained logs, challenges improper seizure of devices, and requests chain-of-custody disclosures. We also push for digital expert testimony when prosecutors rely on circumstantial data. English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures defendants understand each stage of the process and defends expats who face prosecution without Turkish fluency. Related: Cyber Offenses as Economic Crimes: Legal Intersection
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is cybercrime punishable by prison in Turkey? Yes. Many offenses under Articles 243–245 of the Turkish Penal Code include imprisonment from 1 to 6 years depending on severity and repetition.
- Can foreigners be prosecuted for online activity? Yes. If the digital action affects a Turkish server, citizen, or institution, foreign nationals may face prosecution. We offer defense via Power of Attorney.
- What are the penalties for data breaches? Under KVKK, administrative fines up to several million TL may apply, along with criminal prosecution in case of negligence or intentional disclosure.
- How is digital evidence handled in Turkish courts? Evidence must be forensically validated and accepted by certified cyber experts. Our firm challenges illegally collected or manipulated logs.
- Can content be blocked without court order? Yes. BTK may issue administrative block orders under Law 5651 for urgent risks. We file urgent legal appeals and constitutional complaints.
- Are social media posts criminally prosecuted? Potentially. Insult, defamation, threats, or public incitement are common charges for social media content. Defense must be tailored per context.
- Can I be fined for using VPN or proxy in Turkey? No. Using VPNs is not criminalized, but activities conducted via VPN may still be investigated if they involve illegal actions.
- How can my business comply with KVKK? You must register with VERBIS, publish privacy policies, and train staff. We provide full compliance packages for all sectors.
- What if I was hacked and blamed for the crime? You may submit a forensic report proving unauthorized access. Our Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey presents digital breach arguments in court.
- Can a company be held liable for employee cybercrime? Yes, if internal controls were insufficient or negligence is proven. Our Company Lawyer Turkey develops preventive compliance structures.
- Can I delete defamatory content online? Yes. We submit takedown notices to platforms and litigate if refusal occurs. Court injunctions and BTK orders are available remedies.
- Who is the best lawyer firm in Turkey for cybercrime and digital law? Istanbul Law Firm — with specialized Turkish Lawyers, expert litigators, and an English speaking lawyer in Turkey team for expats and multinationals.
Contact Our Turkish Law Firm
Whether you are facing digital accusations, planning a tech business, or need full KVKK compliance, our Turkish Law Firm delivers strategic legal counsel. We defend clients in cybercrime trials, resolve platform liability disputes, and secure data protection compliance for international brands. With English speaking lawyer in Turkey support, we manage your case in clear language and coordinate global documentation and defense logistics. Choose the best lawyer firm in Turkey to safeguard your digital presence, assets, and legal rights in the ever-evolving cyber landscape.