Abstract

Türkiye has emerged as an early adopter in artificial intelligence (AI) governance, demonstrating significant progress over the past five years. As a member of the OECD’s Global Partnership on AI (GPAI), Türkiye is actively trying to shape the global AI landscape, reflecting its commitment to digital transformation and innovation. This chapter examines Türkiye’s evolving AI ecosystem, including the development of a national AI strategy, the role of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, and the establishment of the Digital Transformation Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye (DTO) in 2018, which has been pivotal in coordinating national efforts. The chapter also highlights Türkiye’s advancement in the Government AI Readiness Index, rising from 53rd in 2021 to 47th in 2023.
Key sectors utilising AI, such as public administration and defence, are explored, along with the legal and regulatory frameworks, including the proposed AI Bill of 2024. Türkiye’s collaborative approach, involving state, private sector, and non-governmental organisations, has laid the groundwork for a robust AI infrastructure, with TÜBİTAK’s AI Institute playing a central role in research and innovation. Additionally, the paper explores the legal implications of AI in Türkiye, covering areas such as data protection, intellectual property, and e-commerce law.
This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of Türkiye’s AI landscape, focusing on its digital transformation, key actors, and governance mechanisms, while offering projections for the future of AI regulation and policy in the country.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Digital Transformation in Türkiye: From E-Government towards Digital Government
    2.1. Setting the Scene
    2.2. The Main Actors of the AI Ecosystem in Türkiye
     (a) The Digital Transformation Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye (DTO)
     (b) The Establishment of the TÜBİTAK Artificial Intelligence Institute
     (c) The Establishment of Directorates and Departments under Several Ministries
     (d) The Prominent NGOs in Türkiye that Focus on AI
    2.3. The National AI Strategy of the Republic of Türkiye (2021)
    2.4. The 2023–2027 Defence Industry Sector Strategy Document

3. The Impact of AI
    3.1. The AI Technologies Mostly Used in Türkiye
    3.2. The Main Sectors in Türkiye that Utilise AI Technologies
    3.3. Examples of Current Sectors/Projects Utilising AI
     (a) The Judiciary
     (b) Municipalities
     (c) Public Security and Protection of Citizens
     (d) Defence
     (e) Education
     (f) Health
     (g) Taxation
     (h) Intellectual and Industrial Rights Management
     (i) Transportation
     (j) Sectors in Which AI Is Planned for Implementation

4. The Regulatory Framework Surrounding the Use of AI in Türkiye
    4.1. The AI Bill of 2024
    4.2. The Need for a Dedicated Regulatory Body for AI
    4.3. The Application of Existing Rules: Laws and (New) Guidelines

5. Conclusion