As part of the “January 28 Data Protection Day” activities, the Personal Data Protection Authority and Bartın University co-organized a conference titled “44 Years of Data Protection: The Age of Artificial Intelligence from a Privacy Perspective.” The event brought together experts and academics in the field.

Opening speech was delivered by the Minister of Justice, Mr. Yılmaz TUNÇ.

Minister TUNÇ announced their work on the legal infrastructure for AI

In his speech, Minister TUNÇ emphasized the transformative role of AI technologies in the digital era. He stated: "New Technologies are revolutionizing our lives across various sectors, including law, healthcare, education, and security, offering innovative applications and software. However, alongside these opportunities, AI technologies also introduce certain risks, increasing our responsibility to safeguard personal data. With this perspective, this conference, held by the KVKK and the Bartın University, is a timely and essential platform for discussing how to safeguard our digital footprints in the age of AI. I believe the outcomes of this program will guide the development of future AI legislation.”

“We are establishing an AI Science Commission”

Minister TUNÇ also announced the establishment of an “Artificial Intelligence Science Commission” within the Ministry of Justice. He further explained: “A research commission was established by the approval of the Turkish Grand National Assembly on October 2, 2024. This commission explores the potential benefits of AI, define its legal framework, and mitigate its risks. To further these efforts, we are setting up an “AI Science Commission within the Ministry of Justice. This commission will support the legal infrastructure while contributing to academic research.”

“Processing personal data in the age of AI must adhere to legal principles”

Addressing the importance of privacy, Mr. Faruk BİLİR, President of KVKK, highlighted the foundational role of data protection in safeguarding individual rights: “Privacy is not just a right or freedom but an integral aspect of human existence. The protection of personal data is a shared responsibility for humanity. Our country has been at the forefront of data protection, being one of the first to sign the Council of Europe’s data protection convention on January 28, 1981. Today, while the processing of personal data is an inevitable reality, it is essential to ensure compliance with legal principles, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence. Events like these are crucial in raising public awareness and understanding the societal implications of artificial intelligence.”

“Academic research plays a vital role in data protection”

Bartın University Rector, Orhan Uzun, emphasized that artificial intelligence brings radical changes in privacy and data security alongside new possibilities. He stated: “As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into our lives, the protection of personal data has become a critical societal obligation. Academic research and collaborations between institutions play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. This conference, organized in partnership with the Personal Data Protection Authority, is a valuable opportunity to discuss the intersection of data protection and artificial intelligence’s impact on privacy.”

The first session addressed the legal and ethical foundations of AI

Following the opening remarks, the first session was moderated by Bekir Altun, President of the Turkish Justice Academy. Mr. Altun remarked: “The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence bring new responsibilities, particularly in safeguarding personal data. This event aims to explore how we can achieve a balanced approach to law, technology, and ethics, shaping a future guided by responsible innovation.”

During the first session, addressing the legal dimension of data security in AI systems, Dr. Atilla Aydın, Unit Manager at the Digital Transformation Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, shared insights into “Our National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and Türkiye’s Vision for the Future.” He outlined the current initiatives and future plans in this domain. Ezgi Ergüneş Duran, Head of the Legal Affairs Department at KVKK, presented on the “Legal Liability of AI,” while Ezgi Turgut Bilgiç, KVKK Expert, delved into “The Automatic Processing of Personal Data in AI Technologies and Convention No. 108.”

The second session addressed the contemporary approaches to privacy in the digital era

The second session, moderated by Prof. Dr. Mehmet Zahmakıran, Vice Rector of Bartın University, explored contemporary approaches to data protection in the context of evolving AI technologies. Prof. Dr. Ramazan Yılmaz from the Faculty of Science at Bartın University presented on "Generative AI and Privacy: Challenges and Opportunities," providing an assessment based on recent developments worldwide and discussing artificial intelligence studies in Türkiye.

Dr. Onur Çakırgöz, a faculty member from the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture, and Design at Bartın University, highlighted the topic of "Algorithmic Transparency and Accountability in Artificial Intelligence Systems." From the same faculty, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eyüp Burak Ceyhan addressed the "Relationship between the Use of Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights and its Legal Dimensions," while Dr. Ümit Demirbaga comprehensively discussed "The Foundations of Generative AI: Technologies and Models."