Turkiye: Personal Data Protection Authority opened an ex officio investigation into Google regarding alleged unauthorised personal data processing by Google Assistant

On 11 February 2026, the Turkish Data Protection Authority (KVKK) announced the initiation of an ex officio investigation into Google regarding the processing of personal data via its voice assistant service, Google Assistant. The investigation follows reports that the voice assistant recorded private conversations without user permission due to activation by incorrect trigger phrases. The KVKK aims to determine whether Google failed to implement the necessary technical and administrative measures required under Law No. 6698 on the Protection of Personal Data. Specifically, the investigation will examine allegations that the collected voice data was used for targeted advertising and other unauthorised purposes without a valid legal basis.