On January 28th, the "28 January Data Protection Day" event, organized in collaboration with the Justice Academy of Türkiye, was held at the KVKK Conference Hall. Attended by a large number of guests, experts in the field convened to discuss crimes and misdemeanours related to the protection of personal data, along with examination and judicial processes. The opening speeches were delivered by Muhittin ÖZDEMİR, President of the Justice Academy of Türkiye, and Prof. Dr. Faruk BİLİR, President of KVKK.

"Our Authority continues its efforts to ensure that the right to the protection of personal data remains an effective means of seeking justice."

Highlighting that the Personal Data Protection Authority diligently follows both national and international developments while carrying out its activities, BİLİR stated “Our Authority continues its efforts to ensure that the right to the protection of personal data remains an effective means of seeking justice. To date, the Board has received 38,789 notices, complaints, and applications, with 37,010 of them finalized. Additionally, 290 out of 1,317 data breach notifications were publicly announced on the Authority's website. Administrative sanctions, totalling 463,801,000 TL, were imposed as a result of examinations, and 1,080 legal opinions were provided on matters within the Authority's duties. Furthermore, the Board approved 8 entities with adequate qualifications for transferring personal data abroad.”

"Protection of personal data is an indispensable element."

Emphasizing the importance of technological advancements being carried out with due consideration for individual privacy, BİLİR underscored that protection of personal data is crucial for ensuring that technological progress aligns with human rights. BİLİR highlighted that while generative AI has the potential to enhance human life, it must be utilized responsibly and in compliance with the law.

BİLİR also noted that in 2024, data-based technologies, particularly generative AI, will be at the forefront, and the Authority has initiated a study on generative AI and commenced a comprehensive compilation study on artificial intelligence.

“Our efforts to raise awareness and disseminate information will continue."

BİLİR remarked "We have published guides and documents elucidating various aspects of the Law, particularly concerning the right to be forgotten, artificial intelligence, cookies, and biometric data. Our ongoing projects and activities aim to foster understanding and awareness about personal data protection. Recently, we have presented works covering topics such as the processing of identification numbers under the Law, privacy protection in mobile applications, genetic data, deepfake, expert perspectives on personal data protection, academic insights on KVKK, and personal data protection in election activities. Our efforts to raise awareness and disseminate information will continue."

The event comprised two sessions: "Crimes and Misdemeanours in the Field of Personal Data Protection" and "Examination Processes of the Personal Data Protection Board and Evaluation of Judicial Proceedings Against Board Decisions."