FAQ
IT law — frequently asked questions
The 6 questions we are asked most about IT law, with answers. If you cannot find yours, write to us directly and we will answer.
IT law
6 questionsMy Instagram account has been stolen. What should I do?+
First use the platform’s account recovery steps, change the passwords of your linked e-mail and phone, and turn on two-step verification. Warn the people around you through another channel. Keep the notifications showing that the account was taken over and file a criminal complaint with the prosecutor’s office. Accessing an account without permission (TCK art. 243) and taking the account by changing the password (TCK art. 244) are offences that do not require a complaint; if money was requested through the account, aggravated fraud is also involved.
I was defrauded online. Can I get my money back?+
The chances depend on how quickly you act. Call your bank at once, dispute the transaction and ask for the recipient’s bank to be notified; then file a criminal complaint with the prosecutor’s office and request that the recipient accounts be frozen. If the money is traced before it is moved to other accounts, recovering it is easier. A debt and damages action can also be brought against the recipient account holder; if the bank’s security was at fault, a claim can be made against the bank as well.
Money was taken from my bank account without authorisation. Is the bank liable?+
Banks are obliged to take the security measures needed to protect accounts and are under a heightened duty of care. A bank that fails to stop transactions of an unusual amount, at an unusual hour or from an unusual device can be held liable. If you shared the password or verification code yourself, this fault may lead to a reduction in compensation. Depending on the amount, the application is made to the consumer arbitration committee or, after mediation, to the consumer court.
Is it an offence to let someone else use my bank account?+
Yes. If your account is used in fraud, you may be held liable as an accomplice. Under an amendment in force since July 2026, where the contribution consists solely of handing over a bank card, account details or access details for a crypto account to someone else, the sentence is reduced by half (TCK art. 158/4); the act does not go unpunished. Victims can also bring an action for repayment and damages against the person into whose account they sent money.
Can a blocking order still be obtained from the criminal judgeship of peace?+
Not for applications based on infringement of personality rights: Article 9 of Law No. 5651 was annulled by the Constitutional Court, and the annulment took effect on 10 October 2024. For insulting or reputation-damaging content, an interim injunction is sought from the civil court of first instance or an application is made directly to the platform. For content violating the privacy of private life (art. 9/A) and for the offences listed in the law (art. 8), however, the criminal judgeship of peace route remains available.
My private photos were shared without permission. How do I have them removed?+
Save the link address of the post and screenshots, and apply to the Cybersecurity Directorate for access to be blocked on grounds of privacy of private life; the block is implemented within 4 hours at the latest. You must submit your request to the criminal judgeship of peace within 24 hours; the judge decides within 48 hours. You can file a complaint about the disclosure of the images within 6 months and also claim non-pecuniary damages.
Let us look at your situation together
In the first meeting we discuss the legal position of your case, the routes open to you and roughly how long they take. The meeting can be at our office or by video.