Turkey Issues New Rules on CCTV and Privacy (KVKK Warning)
Turkey Issues New Warning on Surveillance Camera Usage (KVKK)
The Personal Data Protection Authority of Turkey (KVKK) has issued an important warning regarding the use of surveillance cameras in workplaces, residential areas, and public spaces.
The authority emphasized that cameras must not be used in a way that violates individuals’ privacy or exceeds lawful monitoring purposes.
Key Restrictions Announced by KVKK
According to the statement, several strict rules apply to the use of CCTV systems:
- Cameras cannot be used for continuous monitoring of employees or for controlling their performance and discipline.
- Surveillance devices are strictly prohibited in toilets, changing rooms, prayer rooms, and rest areas.
- In residential buildings and apartments, cameras must not be positioned in a way that captures the interior of private living spaces.
- Features that violate privacy, such as facial recognition and audio recording, are not allowed in most cases.
KVKK stressed that surveillance systems must be used in compliance with data protection laws and must respect individual privacy rights.
Penalties for Violations
Authorities warned that violations of these rules may result in administrative sanctions, including financial penalties. The aim is to ensure that surveillance systems are used only for legitimate security purposes without infringing on personal privacy.
This announcement reinforces Turkey’s growing focus on data protection and privacy rights in both public and private sectors.
