Turkish Data Protection Authority Publishes Public Announcement Regarding the Use of Foreign-Origin Messaging Applications in Public Institutions

The Public Announcement Regarding the Use of Foreign-Origin Messaging Applications in Public Institutions (“Public Announcement”), prepared by the Personal Data Protection Authority (“KVKK”), was published on the official website of the KVKK on 29 January 2026.

In the Public Announcement, it is stated that the KVKK has received reports and complaints indicating that personnel working in various public institutions are being compelled to use foreign-origin messaging applications—particularly WhatsApp—within the scope of carrying out administrative activities; that orders and instructions are being issued through these platforms; and that official documents and records are being shared via such applications.

With reference to Presidential Circular No. 2019/12, published in the Official Gazette dated 06 July 2019 and numbered 30823, it is reiterated that the sharing of data classified as confidential is prohibited via any mobile application other than domestic and authorized mobile applications, and that domestic messaging applications should be preferred.

Furthermore, it is stated that the sharing of information and documents containing personal data via foreign-origin applications such as WhatsApp constitutes a “personal data processing activity” within the scope of the Law No. 6698 on the Protection of Personal Data. It is emphasized that data processing activities carried out in violation of the conditions outlined in Articles 5 and 6 of the Law may be subject to examination by the Personal Data Protection Board, and that administrative sanctions may be imposed pursuant to disciplinary provisions on public personnel whose responsibility is determined.

The full text of the Public Announcement (in Turkish) is available here.

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Zumbul Attorneys-at-Law

info@zumbul.av.tr

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