[80048] Dramatic decision in Turkey: Employers prohibited from using biometric data to track employees
[80048] Dramatic decision in Turkey: Employers prohibited from using biometric data to track employees
The Turkish Data Protection Authority has ruled that the use of fingerprints and facial scans to track working hours is illegal, even in cases where the employee has given consent.
Good news for employees: The use of biometric means for attendance tracking prohibited in Turkey
In a significant ruling that marks a turning point for millions of employees, the Turkish Personal Data Protection Authority (KVKK) has determined that the use of biometric means for the purpose of tracking employees' working hours is illegal. The decision prohibits employers from relying on technologies such as retinal scans, facial recognition, palm geometry, and voice tone analysis.
According to reports in Son Dakika Haberler Gündem, Son Dakika Haberler Türkiye, and Son Dakika Haberleri Türkiye, the committee emphasized that even the "explicit consent" of the employee does not justify the violation of privacy through these methods. As noted on the Haber Gündem channel in this link, employers will now be required to rely on conventional and less invasive alternatives, such as magnetic employee cards, PIN systems, or manual attendance reporting by signature.
The decision reflects a stricter trend by the Turkish regulator regarding privacy in the workplace. According to Sansürsüz Gündem and GündemX, the KVKK directive clarifies that the right to privacy outweighs the employer's need for control, and that biometric collection is not proportionate for the purposes of payroll management or attendance. Employers in Turkey will be required to update their human resources management systems in accordance with the new guidelines immediately.