7 essential steps to KVKK compliance

Every business that processes personal data in Türkiye has a set of obligations under the Personal Data Protection Law No. 6698 (KVKK). Compliance is not only a legal requirement; it is also the foundation of customer trust. Here are seven essential steps to get started.

Compliance may look complex, but it becomes manageable once you break it into steps:

• Build a data inventory: document which personal data you hold, where and why.
• Register with VERBİS: if you are required to, register with the Data Controllers' Registry.
• Prepare a privacy notice: inform data subjects about the purposes of processing.
• Set up explicit consent processes: obtain valid, documented consent where required.
• Take technical and administrative measures: apply encryption, access control and security policies.
• Create a retention and destruction policy: don't keep data indefinitely; define retention periods.
• Define request and breach procedures: set up a response flow for data subject requests and possible breaches.

Compliance is ongoing, not one-off

KVKK compliance starts like a project but continues as a habit. As your processes change, your inventory and policies need to stay up to date.

Technology makes compliance easier

Technical measures such as access logs, data encryption and authorisation are much easier to apply with the right software infrastructure. Designing your systems with KVKK in mind from the start is always cheaper than fixing them later.

Talk to our team about designing KVKK-compliant software and reviewing your current processes. Note: this article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.