A Noteworthy Principle Decision Of The Personal Data Protection Board On The Use Of Biometric Data

The Principle Decision of the Personal Data Protection Board (the “Board”) dated 29 April 2026 and numbered 2026/921 was published in the Official Gazette dated 2 June 2026. The Decision contains important assessments regarding the use of fingerprint, facial recognition and similar biometric systems for employee attendance and working hours tracking.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of biometric identification systems such as fingerprint, facial recognition, iris, and retina scanning for the purposes of digitalization of employee attendance tracking and enhancing workplace security. In its published Principle Decision, the Board emphasizes that the use of biometric data for working hours tracking purposes should be regarded as exceptional in terms of personal data protection law.