IT Law is a broad branch of law that regulates legal relations arising from digital technologies and internet use. The protection of personal data, IT crimes, e-commerce, online content liability and digital security constitute the basic issues of this field.

Cryptocurrency Law, on the other hand, is a developing area of law that emerged with the start of using blockchain technology, especially with Bitcoin, as a currency and investment tool. In Turkish legislation, there is only the Regulation on the Non-Use of Crypto Assets in Payments dated April 16, 2021, regarding cryptocurrencies; besides this, there is no specific legal regulation defining cryptocurrencies. According to the generally accepted definition, cryptocurrency is qualified as a “digital value that allows for cryptographically secure transactions and additional money supply.” While the blockchain-based structure of cryptocurrencies offers a secure transaction infrastructure, risks such as cyber fraud, theft and embezzlement can also arise in this area. In Turkish law, it is accepted that cryptocurrencies can be subject to contracts, by virtue of the existing principle of freedom of contract. Indeed, in the decision of the Istanbul 21st Civil Court of Commerce dated 02.07.2020, numbered 2019/915 E. and 2020/278 K., a money transfer made for the purchase of cryptocurrency was evaluated as a “distance contract regarding financial services.” Within the scope of IT and Cryptocurrency Law, legal consultancy can be provided on issues such as the execution of blockchain-based activities in compliance with legislation, determination of the legal obligations of crypto asset service providers, protection of personal data and ensuring digital security.

