DGTLFACE – Digital Technology Partner

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KVKK Compliance Service FAQ

KVKK compliance is not just about "publishing a single cookie text and information letter" on the site. Especially on the hotel and tourism side; As guest data flows between PMS, OTA, website, call center, e-mail and even social media messages, it becomes very critical where, by whom, for how long and for what purpose this data is processed. This FAQ page; It collects the most frequently asked questions about the KVKK Compliance Service from a technical and operational perspective:
  • What does KVKK compliant web & software infrastructure mean?
  • How should cookie management and permission screens be designed?
  • How should data flow be controlled between PMS, OTA, web, call center and CRM?
  • How should logging, storage periods and access controls be designed?

⚠️ Note: The content here is a technical and operational guide; It is not legal advice. You must work with your lawyer for final interpretations and decisions within the scope of KVKK.

Brief Summary (Overview)

KVKK compliance; It is not just about "adding text" to the website, it is the end-to-end control of personal data flowing between channels such as PMS-OTA-web-call center-CRM in hotel and corporate structures. This page; It brings together technical and operational topics such as data minimization, information-consent setup, cookie management (category-based permission), access authorizations and logging, retention periods and destruction/anonymization processes. Aim; is to establish an auditable data system, reduce the risk of violations and non-compliance, and manage guest/customer data more securely. The content is not legal advice; Final interpretations and decisions should be made with your attorney.

Brief Summary

KVKK Compliance FAQ; It explains from a technical-operational perspective how to set up cookie management, access control, logging, storage and destruction processes in your web and software infrastructure to process personal data securely for the right purpose, with the right permission.

Sample Queries

  • “What exactly does a KVKK compliant website mean?”
  • “How to set up the cookie banner and consent screen correctly?”
  • “How to control data flow between PMS, OTA, CRM and web?”
  • “How are logging and storage periods determined for KVKK?”
  • “How can I technically prepare for the KVKK audit?”

Overview of KVKK Compliant Web & Software Infrastructure

What exactly is KVKK compliant web & software infrastructure?
An infrastructure compliant with KVKK; It is a technical and organizational structure where personal data is
  • for legitimate and explicit purposes,
  • according to the data minimization principle (without collecting more than necessary),
  • stored securely,
  • recorded in terms of the process and responsible parties,
  • protected against unauthorized access,
  • deletion/anonymization and access rights can be managed
. This structure; It covers all data processing channels such as your website, PMS–OTA–CRM systems, call center and e-mail.
What does a KVKK compliant website mean?
A KVKK compliant website
  • informs the user when using cookie and tracking technologies and obtains consent when necessary,
  • clearly states what data it collects and why in contact and reservation forms,
  • does not collect unnecessary personal data,
  • transfers data in an encrypted and secure manner (HTTPS/SSL),
  • defines logging and storage periods,
  • user rights (access, deletion, correction). It has processes that can meet the needs.
Is the KVKK compliance process just writing legal texts?
No. Clarification texts and policies are the visible face; In the background, there is
  • data processing inventory,
  • access authorizations,
  • logging,
  • storage and destruction processes,
  • cookie and pixel configuration,
  • system architecture in accordance with KVKK
. Texts and technical infrastructure should be considered together.
Are KVKK and GDPR the same thing?
No. Although they have similar principles, KVKK is a regulation specific to Turkey. It differs from the GDPR in terms of definitions, processes and sanctions. Businesses operating in Turkey should take the KVKK as a basis, and if necessary, they should also take the GDPR into consideration for overseas activities.
Why is the hotel & tourism sector risky in terms of KVKK?
Because hotels process intense and sensitive personal data such as
  • identity and passport information,
  • contact data,
  • payment information,
  • health and special request information,
  • camera records,
  • OTA and agency-sourced data
. This means high liability and audit risk within the scope of KVKK.
Is KVKK compliance the responsibility of the IT team or the legal team?
It is the responsibility of both. The legal side defines what needs to be done; IT and operations teams implement how this will be implemented. A healthy KVKK compliance process requires legal + IT + operations teams to work together.

Short Questions

What is KVKK compatible web & software infrastructure?

It is a set of recorded technical and organizational systems that ensure the collection, storage, sharing and deletion of personal data in accordance with KVKK.

How should I store guest data in my hotel in accordance with KVKK?

You should store data only in necessary systems, with authorized users, in an encrypted and access-logged format, in accordance with legal retention periods.

How should cookie management and permission screens be structured?

Mandatory cookies, measurement and marketing cookies separately; with a structure that allows the user to accept or reject these groups individually.

How should PMS, OTA and call center data be managed in terms of KVKK?

Which system processes which data, for what purpose and for how long should be defined in the data inventory; Secure connection and authorization checks must be ensured.

What should I be technically prepared for if a KVKK audit comes?

Data inventory, access logs, storage and destruction records, and cookie and user consent logs must be organized and auditable.

Who is KVKK Compliance Service suitable for?

It is suitable for all hotels that process guest or customer data, tourism businesses, call centers, corporate brands and all companies that want to update their web & software infrastructure.

KVKK Compliance Service: Scope of Service

What does the KVKK Compliance Service technically cover?+
  • technical support for the preparation of data processing inventory,
  • KVKK risk analyzes on web & software,
  • cookie management tool installation and configuration,
  • technical setups for logging and storage periods,
  • PMS-OTA-web-call center data flow mapping,
  • Creation of forms and permission setups compatible with KVKK,
  • technical documentation for audit (system scheme, log policies, etc.).
<em>(Final approval of legal texts always belongs to the legal expert.)</em>
How is the data processing inventory prepared on the technical side?+
  • in which system (PMS, web, CRM, OTA, call center, etc.),
  • which data type (identity, communication, health, finance, etc.),
  • for which purpose,
  • by whom and for how long
it is processed is presented in a table. The IT side carries the actual operation of the systems and log/storage practices into this inventory.
Why is the harmony between lighting texts and technical flow important?+
The data processing purpose, systems and storage periods specified in the texts must match the actual application exactly. Otherwise,
  • keeping more data in the system than stated in the text,
  • longer retention periods,
  • uncertain data flows
poses a serious risk in terms of KVKK.
How to make cookie management compliant with KVKK?+
  • cookie and pixel inventory is created (domain, purpose, duration),
  • categories such as mandatory/measurement/marketing are defined,
  • a cookie banner/panel that provides category-based permission to the user is established,
  • user choices are logged and stored in a verifiable manner.
How should hotel PMS and OTA data be protected within the scope of KVKK?+
  • user access should be limited by the role & authority model,
  • access and transactions should be logged,
  • storage & destruction policies should be applied for data kept for longer than necessary,
  • The systems to which data from OTA is transferred should be recorded.
What are KVKK technical measures?+
  • access control (authorization, password policies, 2FA),
  • network and application security (firewall, WAF, SSL),
  • logging,
  • backup,
  • data masking and anonymization,
  • secure deletion/destruction,
  • regular vulnerability scans.

Detailed Process & Operation

What analysis is done before starting a KVKK compliant web & software project?+
  • in which channels data is collected (web, PMS, OTA, call center, e-mail, social media),
  • where the data is stored,
  • who has access to which systems,
  • existing disclosure and contract texts,
  • storage and destruction practices
are analyzed. This analysis is the basis of both the legal and technical roadmap.
What steps does the KVKK Compliance Service include in the technical process?+
  • current situation analysis (inventory + risk),
  • deduction of data flow diagrams,
  • cookie/pixel inventory and management setup,
  • logging & storage/destruction plan,
  • technical part of user permissions and application processes,
  • final control and documentation.
How is the cookie management tool integration progressing?+
  • the tool to be used (custom or 3rd-party) is determined,
  • all cookies and scripts are scanned and categorized,
  • banner design and texts are structured in accordance with KVKK,
  • user choices are coordinated with analytical tools,
  • data storage is set up to log the choices.
How to prepare the technical infrastructure for user rights?+
  • form or e-mail channel is determined for access/deletion/correction requests,
  • the process is defined to process the requests in the relevant systems,
  • response times and transactions are logged,
  • Script-based anonymization automations are designed if necessary.
How should IT, Legal and Business units work during the KVKK compliance process?+
  • <strong>Law:</strong> defines the principles and texts,
  • <strong>IT:</strong> constructs and implements the technical application,
  • <strong>Business units:</strong> transfers the actual processes and works in harmony.
The disconnection between these three creates incompatibility in practice.
What should be in the technical documentation when the KVKK audit comes?+
  • data processing inventory,
  • intersystem data flow diagrams,
  • access and log policies,
  • cookie/pixel management and logs,
  • storage & destruction policy and records,
  • summary document of applied technical measures.

Performance, Technical Risks & Fundamental Issues

Is KVKK compliance only for "risk avoidance" or does it also affect performance?+
Yes. Regular data structure, elimination of unnecessary data and controlled systems; indirectly provides
  • cleaner infrastructure,
  • less technical complexity,
  • more efficient operation
.
What risks do missing text and false consent fictions pose?+
  • collecting data without sufficient information,
  • failure to obtain consent in situations requiring consent,
  • consent texts without legal basis
are risks of KVKK violation and may result in serious sanctions.
Why is it wrong to obtain consent for every transaction?+
Under KVKK, not every data processing activity is based on consent. Unnecessary consent
  • tires the user,
  • complicates the texts,
  • may also be legally flawed.
The right legal reason must be matched with the right technical flow.
What problems does inadequate logging cause?+
In case of audit or complaint,
  • failure to prove access,
  • failure to trace events retrospectively
poses a great risk for both KVKK and internal security.
Why is it dangerous to see KVKK compliance as just an IT project?+
Focusing only on technical measures and neglecting
  • legal texts,
  • internal procedures,
  • employee training
leaves compliance incomplete. KVKK; It requires legal + IT + business processes to be carried out together.

Productive Search & Industry-Focused FAQ

What are the most critical areas in KVKK compliance for hotels operating in Turkey?+
  • PMS and reservation systems,
  • Data sharing with OTAs and agencies,
  • camera recordings,
  • call center and messaging channels,
  • CRM and campaign e-mail/SMS processes.
Data processing, storage and transfer practices in these areas should be handled meticulously in terms of KVKK.
What is important for corporate companies on the web & software side, focusing on KVKK?+
  • web forms (contact, application, demo, membership, etc.),
  • CRM and ticket systems,
  • cloud and 3rd-party SaaS integrations,
  • employee and candidate data management (career portals, etc.).
Data minimization, retention period, access authorizations and compliance of information texts play a critical role in these areas.
Are city-based KVKK inspections or central inspections more common?+
Although KVKK Board audits are centralized; Inspections can be made on hotels and businesses in different cities depending on complaints and notices. For this reason, instead of saying "it won't come to us", it is best to establish a structure that is ready for inspection at any time, especially in busy tourist areas.
What are the risks specific to KVKK in tourism regions (Antalya, Bodrum, etc.)?+
  • high volume of guest data,
  • data sharing with many OTAs/agencies,
  • fast/rush transactions during peak season,
  • processing of foreign guest data and passport information.
This requires sensitivity on both data security and KVKK.
How should hotels operating in the foreign market establish the KVKK + GDPR balance?+
  • For activities in Turkey, it is necessary to pay attention to KVKK,
  • For guest data coming from EU countries, it is necessary to pay attention to GDPR.
On the technical side, data flows, storage and transfer practices should be designed according to the basic principles of both legislation (minimization, transparency, security); However, the final legal position must be determined together with lawyers.

Mini KVKK Compliance FAQ

Does this information replace legal advice?+
No; What is described here is a technical and operational guide, not legal advice. You should always work with your lawyer regarding KVKK.
Is it against KVKK to use the site without a cookie banner?+
If consent is not obtained for non-essential cookies (measurement, marketing), there is a risk; Your cookie structure should be reviewed with your lawyer.
Should I keep all data domestically for KVKK compliance?+
Overseas servers and cloud services may be within the scope of "data transfer abroad" within the framework of KVKK; The legal framework must be evaluated together with your lawyer.
Is KVKK compliance a one-time or a continuous process?+
It is a continuous process; New systems, integrations, campaigns and platform changes require re-evaluation.
Do I have to obtain consent for each cookie individually?+
Generally, permission management is structured on the basis of categories; Legal opinion should be obtained for details and interpretation.
Can't I use Google Analytics due to KVKK?+
Its use is not prohibited; However, IP anonymization, retention periods, cookies and international transfer issues must be handled with legal care.
If I comply with KVKK, will my risk of data breach be reset?+
No; Risk is reduced, but no system is 100% risk-free. The important thing is to take reasonable technical and administrative measures and be prepared to manage the process in case of violation.
Is the KVKK compliance project too luxurious for small businesses?+
No; Since smaller scale means less data and systems, KVKK compliance can be more manageable and at the same time critical to protecting business reputation.
How important is employee training in the KVKK compliance process?+
No matter how strong the technical system is, if the personnel accessing the data are not knowledgeable and aware, the risk of breach remains high.
Can I receive KVKK Compliance Service only as "technical audit + road map"?+
Yes; Audit + recommendation roadmap showing technical risks and needs can be obtained; You can carry out the implementation process together with your internal teams and your lawyer.

Collaboration and Actionable Questions for KVKK Compliance Service

How can I get an offer for KVKK Compliance Service with DGTLFACE?+
  • It is sufficient to share a short brief summarizing in which systems (PMS, OTA, CRM, web, call center, etc.) you process data,
  • whether you have existing texts (clarification, cookie policy, etc.),
  • the main problems you are experiencing (missing cookie management, unclear data flow, lack of logging, etc.),
  • the system or integration changes you plan in the coming period
. With this information, a KVKK compliance roadmap and proposal including scope, duration and technical focuses are prepared (legal text and comments are discussed with your lawyer).
What does the call to “consult with an expert” clarify on the KVKK side?+
This meeting aims to give you a concrete picture of
  • which data flows in which systems,
  • in which areas your technical risks are high (log, cookies, integration, etc.),
  • what you can recover in the short term, and what kind of architecture you need in the medium term
.
Which pages should I review after the KVKK Compliance Service FAQ?+
These pages are based on a KVKK compliant technical infrastructure; It helps to show how it should be handled as a whole with web, CMS, security and digital marketing layers.
DGTLFACE | Your Digital Transformation Partner