Compliance guides
Messaging Compliance in Türkiye
SMS, WhatsApp, voice and RCS rules for businesses messaging customers in Türkiye.
Overview
Commercial electronic messages in Türkiye, including SMS, are governed by Law No. 6563 on the Regulation of Electronic Commerce. Businesses must obtain prior consent and register it in the national Message Management System (İleti Yönetim Sistemi, İYS) before sending commercial messages, and recipients can withdraw consent at any time.
Türkiye's Personal Data Protection Law No. 6698 (KVKK) requires a clear privacy notice (aydınlatma metni), a lawful basis such as explicit consent, and registration with the data controllers' registry (VERBİS) for many businesses.
Turkish is the primary language of search in Türkiye and Google is dominant, while international businesses and tourism audiences also search in English and other languages.
WhatsApp is widely used for business in MENA markets. Official API use must follow Meta's policies, and newer national data protection laws in the region set rules for consent and data handling.
Telemarketing in the region is increasingly regulated, with rules on calling hours, registered numbers and do-not-call preferences in several countries.
Advertising Rules
Advertising must follow the Consumer Protection Law and the Advertising Board's rules, including its guidance on influencer marketing disclosures.
Guides by Channel
SMS in Türkiye
Commercial electronic messages in Türkiye, including SMS, are governed by Law No.
Read the guide →WhatsApp in Türkiye
WhatsApp is the most widely used messaging app in Türkiye.
Read the guide →Voice Call in Türkiye
Commercial calls in Türkiye are also covered by Law No.
Read the guide →RCS in Türkiye
RCS business messaging availability in Türkiye depends on operator and device support, so we confirm coverage before planning campaigns and keep SMS as a fallback; the same consent rules that apply to SMS apply to RCS..
Read the guide →Digital Habits and Channels in Türkiye
Türkiye is a mobile-first market where WhatsApp is the dominant messaging app, and SMS remains widely used for promotions and authentication. Commercial electronic messages require prior approval under the Electronic Commerce Law, and businesses sending them must register on the İleti Yönetim Sistemi (IYS), the national message management system that records consent.
Credit cards with instalment payments (taksit) are central to Turkish shopping, and high inflation makes consumers price-sensitive. Ramadan and the two Bayram holidays, Black Friday (often promoted under local names such as 'Efsane Cuma') and back-to-school are key periods.
Turkey's economy is diverse, with textiles and clothing, automotive manufacturing around Bursa and Kocaeli, white goods, construction, agriculture and tourism, which brings over 50 million foreign visitors a year. High inflation means prices change often, so automated messages with current prices and validity dates are important. VAT (KDV) is 20% at the standard rate, and the country stays on UTC+3 all year. Commercial messages must be recorded in İYS, the national message management system, which lets recipients see and withdraw consent.
Regulators, Registers and Practical Rules in Türkiye
Türkiye's IYS registry records commercial consent.
Türkiye's Law 6563 on electronic commerce requires prior consent for commercial electronic messages, and since 2021 consents must be recorded in the national İleti Yönetim Sistemi (IYS), where people can withdraw consent at any time. KVKK enforces the personal data law. Turkcell, Vodafone and Türk Telekom are the operators.
General guidance, not legal advice. Check current rules with the regulator or a local adviser before launch.
Compliance in Türkiye: FAQs
Which messaging channels need registration in Türkiye?
It depends on the channel. Sender IDs for SMS often need registration with operators or the regulator, WhatsApp requires a verified business account and approved templates, and RCS needs brand verification. Each channel guide explains the details.
Does data protection law apply to messaging in Türkiye?
Türkiye's Personal Data Protection Law No. 6698 (KVKK) requires a clear privacy notice (aydınlatma metni), a lawful basis such as explicit consent, and registration with the data controllers' registry (VERBİS) for many businesses.
Is this legal advice?
No. These guides are general information. For significant campaigns, take advice from a local lawyer.
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