Hotels in Turkey are not allowed to copy ID card on guest registration

Under the Personal Data Protection Act No. 6698, which came into force in 2016, hotels cannot request a photocopy of identity when registering guests.

According to the Personal Data Protection Act No. 6698, which came into force in 2016, those who request, store, share information, documents against the law are punished. It is clear how personal data will be protected. Even so, hotels still want id photocopies, cashiers ask for cell phone numbers, gyms require fingerprints, and employers want information such as religion and race. You are not obliged to provide this information.

Do not let anyone get a photocopy of your ID except for some government offices. It’s all your personal information. How to protect and store data is one of the most discussed issues recently.

In 7 April 2016, the Personal Data Protection Act No. 6698 defined a 2-year compliance process for the enterprises to be completed until 7 April 2018. Enterprises had to fulfill their obligations in this respect. But there have been misconceptions about this vital issue since 2016.

Lawyers say, “Hotels cannot get a copy of the customer’s ID and keep the copy under the record. Citizens should pay attention when sharing their personal data. They just need to enter the information into the system of the security department. Besides, don’t give your phone number at a grocery store. You don’t know what you will be approving with the sent confirmation code.  Be sure what you approve. At places where services are provided, such as gyms, no fingerprints can be taken and no eye scans can be done”.