Privacy is a constitutional right in Turkey, but violations—whether physical, digital, or reputational—can lead to serious criminal consequences. Article 134 of the Turkish Penal Code criminalizes unauthorized recording, sharing, or disclosure of private information, images, or conversations. This law applies to individuals, corporations, and media platforms. Our Turkish Law Firm provides both defense and victim representation in privacy-related criminal proceedings. If your private data has been leaked, or if you're facing allegations of unlawful recording, an English speaking lawyer in Turkey can advise you on your rights, defenses, and legal remedies. We handle high-risk privacy violations across social media, workplace surveillance, and family law disputes.
What Constitutes a Violation of Privacy Under Article 134?
Article 134 prohibits capturing or disseminating a person’s voice, image, or private information without consent. The offense is aggravated if the material is published on the internet or used to blackmail. Our Turkish Lawyers evaluate whether consent existed, whether the content qualifies as “private,” and how it was obtained. As a best lawyer firm in Turkey, we defend clients in criminal court and also pursue civil compensation through tort actions. We also protect client privacy during litigation by requesting closed hearings and sealing sensitive files. See our related analysis: Cyber Intrusions & Criminal Privacy Law.
Types of Privacy Violations Prosecuted in Turkey
Common cases include publishing private WhatsApp chats, leaking medical records, unauthorized CCTV use, revenge porn, and covert audio recordings. Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey services are essential for defending against both malicious and mistaken allegations. Our Turkish Law Firm also represents victims in obtaining restraining orders and content takedown orders. English speaking lawyer in Turkey advisors help expatriates and dual nationals manage cross-border privacy claims involving Turkish courts and foreign platforms. Istanbul Law Firm has obtained court orders against Meta, Google, and local websites hosting illegal content.
How Article 134 Intersects with KVKK (Data Protection Law)
KVKK regulates the lawful processing of personal data, while Article 134 criminalizes its misuse. These legal tools are often used together in cases involving employers, service providers, or ex-partners. Our Company Lawyer Turkey team conducts KVKK audits, drafts data access protocols, and defends companies accused of policy violations. When criminal liability overlaps, Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey services are coordinated to manage investigations. See also: Cross-Department Compliance in High-Risk Cases.
Penalties and Aggravated Sentencing Under Article 134
The base sentence under Article 134 is 1–3 years of prison. This increases if the content is made public, shared online, or used in blackmail. Our Turkish Lawyers seek sentence mitigation or acquittal when clients acted without intent, or under mistaken belief of consent. English speaking lawyer in Turkey defense includes multilingual court filings and cross-border case harmonization. Istanbul Law Firm has reduced prison risk in dozens of cases by focusing on digital evidence chain-of-custody issues and psychological evaluation reports.
Pre-Litigation and Content Removal Strategies
Victims of privacy violation may pursue civil action or apply to criminal court. They may also file takedown requests to the Access Providers Union or directly to platform administrators. Our Turkish Law Firm prepares pre-litigation notices, evidence preservation orders, and DMCA-style complaints. Company Lawyer Turkey also advises HR teams and corporate management on workplace privacy compliance. Read more on platform liability in: Media Defamation and Brand Harm Recovery.
Workplace Surveillance and Employee Privacy Violations
Employers using surveillance tools must comply with both KVKK and Penal Code Article 134. Unauthorized audio or video recording of employees—even on company premises—can result in criminal charges and administrative fines. Our Company Lawyer Turkey team designs compliant surveillance policies, trains HR on consent forms, and files defenses in labor court. We’ve defended companies against claims by former staff who alleged privacy breach via hidden cameras or email monitoring. Turkish Law Firm oversight ensures monitoring practices are lawful, ethical, and properly disclosed. See: Employment Privacy Audit Checklist.
Divorce and Family Law Privacy Risks
Family disputes often involve illegal access to phones, emails, or shared devices. Spouses may retrieve messages or photos for use in custody or alimony cases—but such acts are often illegal if done without consent. Our Turkish Lawyers counsel clients on how to collect admissible evidence without violating criminal law. Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey experts on our team defend clients accused of data snooping or revenge media sharing. We also help victims of unauthorized data use secure protective orders and criminal complaints. Read: Privacy Risk in Divorce Asset Discovery.
Media, Influencers, and Public Privacy Breaches
Public figures and influencers may face claims for sharing private images or information—especially when content goes viral. Even if unintentional, the original publisher can be held liable. Our Turkish Law Firm drafts media disclaimers, influencer contract clauses, and digital risk mitigation guides. English speaking lawyer in Turkey support ensures compliance with foreign platform rules and local law. We’ve secured fast takedowns from YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, using Article 134 as basis.
Technology Companies and Platform Liability
Tech firms, hosting providers, and app developers must prevent user-generated content from violating privacy rights. Failure to do so may result in secondary criminal liability or civil compensation. Our Company Lawyer Turkey team helps platforms implement flagging tools, automated review, and reporting systems. We’ve defended SaaS, HR tech, and health apps against privacy claims linked to client-side uploads. Turkish Lawyers in our compliance group audit terms of use and DMCA-style policies to prevent escalation. See: AI, Privacy Filters & Platform Defense.
International Privacy Claims Involving Turkey
When privacy violations occur across borders—e.g. between an expat in Turkey and a publisher abroad—jurisdiction and enforcement become complex. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey team files jurisdictional motions, prepares Hague-based service requests, and coordinates with Interpol or Europol when needed. We also submit ECHR claims and UNHRC petitions for serious violations. Istanbul Law Firm, as a best lawyer firm in Turkey, has represented clients in global press, political asylum, and revenge porn cases with cross-jurisdiction impacts.
Corporate Liability and Director Exposure in Privacy Breaches
If a company allows, ignores, or covers up a privacy breach, its directors may face legal risk. Under Turkish Commercial Code and Penal Code, failure to act can create corporate and personal liability. Our Turkish Law Firm prepares legal risk maps, board briefing notes, and internal investigation protocols. We’ve advised boards in retail, banking, education, and tourism sectors. English speaking lawyer in Turkey coordination ensures global compliance frameworks are integrated.
Using Experts in Privacy Cases: Digital Forensics & Psychology
Privacy cases increasingly involve digital traces, deleted files, and psychological harm assessments. Our Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey unit works with forensic IT firms to recover data and prove transmission paths. Our Turkish Lawyers also use court-certified psychologists to demonstrate emotional distress and trauma from privacy violations. This supports not only defense but also damages claims in civil court. Learn: Complex Evidence in Civil-Criminal Litigation.
How to Legally Protect Your Privacy in Turkey
Whether you’re an individual, company, or content platform, you have both rights and responsibilities under Turkish privacy law. Preventing violations starts with awareness, policy design, and legal training. When a breach occurs, timely legal action preserves your reputation and strengthens your case. Our Turkish Law Firm offers full-scale representation in privacy enforcement, defense, and compliance planning. A Company Lawyer Turkey helps businesses prevent internal leaks, while a Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey supports you through investigations and litigation. With English speaking lawyer in Turkey guidance, international clients achieve full legal clarity and proactive protection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is violating someone's privacy a crime in Turkey? Yes. Article 134 of the Penal Code criminalizes it. Consult a Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey.
- Can I sue someone for leaking my WhatsApp messages? Yes. Our Turkish Lawyers file both criminal and civil claims.
- Is employer surveillance legal? Only with written consent and proper notice. Company Lawyer Turkey guidance is key.
- What is the penalty under Article 134? 1–3 years of prison, more if published online.
- Can foreign nationals file privacy complaints in Turkey? Yes. We represent many expats. See: Foreign Rights & Privacy Law.
- Can companies be criminally liable? Indirectly. If policy fails, directors may be exposed.
- What’s the difference between Article 134 and KVKK? Penal Code is criminal. KVKK is administrative. We integrate both.
- Can journalists be prosecuted for privacy violations? Yes, if consent lacks or data is personal. Read: Press & Privacy Limits.
- Can I demand content removal? Yes. We file takedowns, injunctions, and damages claims.
- Can I use screen recordings as evidence? Only if lawfully obtained. Ask our English speaking lawyer in Turkey.
- What if I accidentally shared private content? We prepare apology protocols and defense files.
- Who is the best lawyer firm in Turkey for privacy law? Istanbul Law Firm—privacy defense, compliance, and protection under one roof.
Contact Our Turkish Law Firm
If you’ve been accused of a privacy violation—or your private life has been exposed—our Turkish Law Firm is ready. Our Turkish Lawyers act fast, discreetly, and with maximum legal protection. Whether you’re suing or defending, a Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey or Company Lawyer Turkey from our team will build your case from evidence to courtroom. With English speaking lawyer in Turkey support, we bring global standards to local litigation. Choose a best lawyer firm in Turkey to ensure your privacy is respected and restored.