Artificial Intelligence Act and Turkey: Legal Compliance and Preparation Guide for Companies

Artificial intelligence technologies, the sharpest turn of digital transformation, are reshaping not only operational processes but also the cornerstones of the legal world. The global wave of regulation initiated by the European Union’s (EU) Artificial Intelligence Act (EU AI Act) has also found its counterpart in Turkey. As of 2026, Turkey is rapidly progressing towards a hybrid legislative structure that will bring the AI ecosystem under supervision.

So, what is the current stage of AI regulations in Turkey, and how should companies prepare for this new era? As Esenyel & Partners, we closely monitor this process to protect our clients’ digital assets and manage their legal risks.

AI Legislation in Turkey: Current Status and Expectations

Turkey has transitioned from a “wait and see” strategy to an “active compliance” strategy regarding AI regulation. In the current landscape, rather than a single umbrella law, a structure stands out where existing laws are revised according to AI dynamics.

1. Draft Texts and Legislative Activities

The drafts on the agenda of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) classify AI systems according to their risk levels. Algorithms used in areas specifically defined as high-risk (such as health, security, recruitment, and financial scoring) are expected to be subjected to a strict inspection mechanism. Administrative fines, which can reach up to 7% of the annual turnover in case of violation, demonstrate how critical the economic dimension of the issue is.

2. Integration with Existing Laws

Turkey prefers to progress by adding AI-specific clauses to fundamental texts such as the Turkish Penal Code (TCK), Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK), and the Law on Intellectual and Artistic Works. At this point, Esenyel & Partners’ IT law department bridges the gap between existing jurisprudence and new technologies, preventing companies from falling into legal loopholes.

AI Compliance Guide for Companies

Before the regulations fully come into force, there are critical steps companies must take to maintain their operational continuity:

AI Inventory and Risk Classification

All AI tools used within the company (chatbots, productivity software, data analysis tools) must be identified. It should be analyzed which of these tools fall into the “high-risk” category, and the decision-making processes of these systems must be documented.

Data Governance and KVKK Compliance

The privacy of the data used in training AI models is the biggest legal barrier. Regular audits should be conducted to anonymize your data sets, update explicit consent texts, and prevent algorithmic bias. It should not be forgotten that the legal entity using or developing the system can be held directly liable for a data breach generated by AI.

Transparency and Synthetic Content Labeling

Texts, audio, or images created with Generative AI must be clearly stated as “synthetic”. Especially against the manipulative effects of deepfake technology, it is becoming a legal obligation for companies to use watermarks or disclaimers in the content they publish.

Algorithmic Transparency and Human Oversight

The principle of being “human-centric” lies at the center of the new legal regulations. The decisions made by an AI system (for example, a loan application rejection or a dismissal suggestion) must be justifiable. Companies need to incorporate “human oversight” mechanisms, where a human gives the final approval in critical decisions, into their corporate policies.

The legal compliance process is not just about avoiding penalties but also about protecting brand reputation through the ethical use of AI. As Esenyel & Partners, we ensure that companies navigate this complex labyrinth of technology and law safely.

Are You Ready for the Future?

When the AI act becomes official in Turkey, companies caught unprepared will face both severe financial sanctions and a loss of reputation. Starting legal compliance processes today is the key to surviving in tomorrow’s digital economy.

You can contact Esenyel & Partners to align your company’s AI strategies with the legal framework, conduct risk analyses, and get detailed information about current legislative drafts. Let’s build your digital future together with our expert legal staff.