Approach towards the right to be forgotten under Turkish law in comparison with EU and US laws: a need for a reform?

Abstract

This study firstly analyses the general approaches of EU and US laws to the right to be forgotten. Then, basing on the right to be forgotten, a variety of dimensions from comparative law, court practice, doctrinal views and different legal sub-branches are considered from the aspect of Turkish law. Although there is no specific provision on the right to be forgotten in Turkish law, the right has been subject to doctrinal discussions from different perspectives. It is also referred to in court judgments, specifically when an individual wishes to erase certain news, data, etc. from the digital and/or non-digital archive so they can make a fresh start to a new life. Granting that person the right to be forgotten is in terms of protecting personality rights and privacy while acknowledging that these interests may compete with rights to press freedom and freedom of expression. After scrutinising the doctrinal view and court judgments, this study concludes that considering Turkish law, certain provisions should be enacted on the right to be forgotten to ensure uniform interpretation and clarify the definition and conditions of application.