Amendments were made to the Personal Data Protection Law No.
6698 ("Law") through the Law No. 7499,
published in the Official Gazette dated March 12, 2024, and
numbered 32487. In February 2025, the Guide on the Processing of
Special Categories of Personal Data
("Guide") was published on the website
of the Personal Data Protection Authority
("Authority").
1. Introduction
Under the Law, special categories of personal data include
information on individuals' race, ethnic origin, political
opinions, philosophical beliefs, religion, sect, or other beliefs,
physical appearance and attire, membership to associations,
foundations, or unions, health, sexual life, criminal convictions,
and security measures, as well as biometric and genetic data.
