The violation of privacy in Turkey is a criminal offense regulated under Article 134 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK). As digital communications and personal data sharing become widespread, unlawful recordings, publication of private images, or stalking via digital tools have led to an increase in privacy-related criminal cases.
Our Turkish Law Firm provides strategic legal support for individuals whose private life has been infringed through unauthorized voice or image recording, internet publication of private content, or cyberstalking. We also represent clients accused of privacy violations, ensuring their defense is consistent with due process, evidentiary standards, and human rights principles. If you are involved in a privacy-related dispute, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers are prepared to defend your rights under Turkish law.
What Is Considered a Violation of Privacy in Turkey?
According to Turkish Penal Code Article 134, a person who violates the private life of another is subject to a prison sentence ranging from one to three years. If the act includes unauthorized recording of audio or visual material, the sentence is increased. The most common examples of violation of privacy in Turkey include:
- Recording private conversations or images without consent
- Publishing private materials on social media or via messaging apps
- Monitoring or tracking a person's movements without legal authority
- Installing hidden surveillance devices in private areas
As a Turkish Law Firm experienced in privacy protection, we file criminal complaints, demand content removal, and pursue compensation for our clients in both criminal and civil courts.
Criminal Penalties and Related Provisions
Turkish Penal Code Article 134 criminalizes all forms of intentional intrusion into private life. Additionally:
- Sharing or publishing images increases the penalty to 2–5 years
- Unlawful access to digital correspondence is punished under TCK 132–133
- Violation of personal data storage and protection obligations is regulated under TCK 135–138
In cases of online distribution, prosecutors may also seek injunctions to block access to content and seize electronic devices. Our best lawyer firm in Turkey coordinates technical evidence recovery and data protection strategy for full enforcement.
Digital Violations and Social Media Misuse
Privacy violations are increasingly occurring on platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers frequently assist clients with:
- Unauthorized use of private photos in revenge or smear campaigns
- Voice recordings leaked from private conversations
- Doctored content intended to embarrass or damage reputation
- Blackmail involving private materials
As a Turkish Law Firm, we work closely with prosecutors, cybercrime units, and courts to stop these violations and obtain swift legal remedies including imprisonment, removal orders, and monetary damages.
How to File a Complaint for Privacy Violation in Turkey
The process of seeking justice for violation of privacy in Turkey includes:
- Filing a formal complaint with the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office
- Submitting all available evidence, including screenshots, URLs, and metadata
- Requesting criminal prosecution under TCK 134, and parallel civil damages
- Petitioning the criminal court for precautionary measures or a content removal order
Our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers offer full legal representation from the first complaint to the final ruling. We also file civil lawsuits for moral and financial compensation where necessary.
Yargıtay and Constitutional Court Decisions
Both the Turkish Court of Cassation (Yargıtay) and the Constitutional Court (AYM) have delivered significant rulings on privacy violations in Turkey:
- Yarg. 12. CD, 2017/3289 E., 2018/5191 K.: Sharing personal photos via WhatsApp without consent constitutes TCK 134 violation
- AYM, 2016/13010 B.: Failure to investigate a privacy complaint violated the applicant’s right to respect for private life
- Yarg. 18. CD, 2019/9324 E., 2020/11427 K.: Secret video recording inside a home without intent to publish still violates privacy
- AYM, 2019/38674 B.: State authorities must ensure effective prosecution of digital privacy violations
Our Turkish Law Firm frequently cites these decisions in defense petitions, criminal complaints, and constitutional applications to reinforce the victim’s legal position.
Relationship Between TCK 134 and KVKK (Data Protection Law)
The Law on the Protection of Personal Data (KVKK, Law No. 6698) complements criminal protections under the Turkish Penal Code Article 134. While TCK focuses on criminal liability, KVKK governs:
- Data processing consent rules
- Storage and deletion obligations
- Administrative fines for unlawful processing
- Rights of data subjects (access, correction, objection)
Our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers combine criminal and administrative enforcement to pursue full justice in digital privacy violations, especially in corporate or employer-employee disputes.
Internal Legal Resources
- Data Protection Law in Turkey
- Cybercrime and Online Offenses
- Defamation Lawsuits in Turkey
- Social Media and Privacy in Turkey
- Constitutional Court Applications
FAQ: Violation of Privacy in Turkey
- Q1: What is the punishment for violating someone’s privacy in Turkey?
Prison sentence of 1 to 3 years. If video or audio is recorded or published, the penalty increases up to 5 years. - Q2: Is TCK Article 134 applicable to WhatsApp or Instagram posts?
Yes. Any digital content shared without consent may fall under TCK 134. - Q3: Can I sue someone for publishing my private messages?
Yes. You can file both a criminal complaint and a civil damages lawsuit under Turkish law. - Q4: Do foreigners in Turkey have the same privacy rights?
Yes. Foreign nationals are protected equally under TCK and Constitution. - Q5: Is parental sharing of child photos without the other parent’s consent a violation?
Possibly. Depending on context, courts may see it as a breach of joint custody rights. - Q6: Can I block content published without my consent?
Yes. We file court injunctions and notify social media platforms to remove the material. - Q7: Is it a crime to secretly record a phone call in Turkey?
Yes. Unless all parties consent, secret call recording is illegal and prosecutable. - Q8: Can companies monitor employee emails or cameras?
Only with clear consent and legal justification. Otherwise, it constitutes a violation under TCK and KVKK. - Q9: Is prosecution automatic in privacy cases?
No. Victim must file a complaint within 6 months of discovering the act. - Q10: Can a Turkish Law Firm help me defend or file a complaint?
Absolutely. Our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers handle all stages from complaint to trial and constitutional review.
Protect Your Privacy Rights with Legal Support from a Turkish Law Firm
Whether you are a victim of a privacy breach or accused of violating another’s private life, proper legal representation is crucial. At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, we act swiftly and decisively to file criminal complaints, demand compensation, or defend clients against allegations under Turkish Penal Code Article 134.
As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for privacy and cybercrime litigation, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers serve clients across Turkey in both criminal and civil venues. We protect your dignity, reputation, and legal rights with strategic precision and confidentiality.