Preparing for Shopping: Requesting Phone Numbers Ahead of Time
Faruk Bilir, the President of the Personal Data Protection Agency (KVKK), recently addressed personal data violations at the Artificial Intelligence Research Commission of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. In his statement, Bilir highlighted the importance of complying with the Law on the Protection of Personal Data when processing personal information and issued a warning regarding the collection of phone numbers during shopping.
Bilir raised concerns about the common practice of requesting phone numbers from customers during shopping transactions. He emphasized that obtaining a phone number should only be done with the citizen’s consent and cannot be perceived as a mandatory requirement for making a purchase. Bilir stated, “We have observed a trend where phone numbers are requested during shopping transactions. However, this practice should not be seen as a compulsory requirement for completing a purchase. Citizens have the right to make an informed decision before sharing their personal data.”
According to Bilir, data processing must adhere to 8 specific requirements outlined in the law. Failure to meet these conditions can result in unlawful data processing. Bilir also referenced a case law established by the Personal Data Protection Board which prohibits the collection of biometric data such as fingerprints, retina scans, or palm data without proper justification.
In conclusion, Bilir stressed the importance of respecting citizens’ privacy rights and ensuring that personal data is handled in accordance with the law. Businesses and organizations are urged to obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting their personal information, especially during shopping activities. By following these guidelines, companies can uphold data protection standards and maintain trust with their customers.
