Government Relations Bulletin (16

This government relations bulletin provides a comprehensive overview of developments in the fields of technology, data security, artificial intelligence and sustainability for the period 16 – 29 October 2025.

TECHNOLOGY NEWS

The new President of Cyber Security is Ümit Önal, appointed by Presidential Decree No. 2025/405. Ümit Önal previously held the position of CEO of Türk Telekom.

Nvidia, became the first publicly traded company in history to reach a market value of 5 trillion dollars within three months, surpassing the 4 trillion dollar threshold it had achieved in July. The increase in the company's stock value was attributed to developments such as the high revenue expected from artificial intelligence chips, new supercomputer investments, and a 1 billion dollar investment in Nokia, as well as Donald Trump's decision to ease trade restrictions with China.

Nvidia and Uber announced a partnership to build a fleet of 100,000 autonomous taxis and delivery vehicles to be deployed by 2027. The vehicles will achieve Level 4 autonomy using Nvidia's Drive AGX Hyperion 10 system and will be manufactured by producers such as Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz, and Lucid Motors.

Character.AI has banned users under the age of 18 from using its chatbots following child safety concerns and lawsuits. The company announced that it will introduce a two-hour usage limit and age verification system starting November 25, and that it is also working on content specifically for children and an AI safety lab.

Elon Musk launched Grokipedia, an AI-powered online encyclopedia he introduced as a “more neutral alternative.” While Musk stated that the project is open source, the Wikimedia Foundation approached the encyclopedia's claim of neutrality with skepticism.

OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Atlas, a new web browser developed to compete with Google. Available for macOS, the browser features built-in ChatGPT memory and an “agent mode” feature that allows users to perform tasks such as editing emails, making reservations, or working on documents directly with AI support while browsing the internet.

Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır announced that Turkey's supercomputer infrastructure used in artificial intelligence and big data projects has expanded. Kacır stated that thanks to the integrated work of the TRUBA-ARF system and the MareNostrum 5 Consortium, researchers have access to higher computing power, that this infrastructure is open to universities, public institutions, and the private sector, and that applications can be made through the TRUBA system.

SUSTAINABILITY NEWS

Ministry of Industry and Technology published the 2024 Activity Report of the Green Deal Workgroup. The report covers developments regarding Turkey's green transformation policies and efforts to align with the EU Green Deal.

Ministry of Industry and Technology has updated the document on Financing Opportunities Available for Achieving Green Transition Targets, which is published every three months. The document contains financing opportunities provided by various public institutions.

EY has published its Global Environment, Health, and Safety 2025 Survey. The survey reveals that companies' investments in environment, health, and safety have a direct impact on operational efficiency, employee safety, and corporate resilience, while digital solutions play an increasingly important role in identifying risks.

DHL Supply Chain Turkey exceeded the industry average by increasing its female employee ratio to 34%. Under the leadership of CEO Buket Cox, the company implemented initiatives to improve gender balance and incorporated female employees' feedback into its internal policy processes.

France and Spain stated in a letter sent to EU leaders that the ban on the sale of gasoline and diesel vehicles should be maintained in 2035. The two countries emphasized that backing away from the zero-emission target would weaken the 2050 carbon neutrality commitment. They also stated that the European automotive industry is struggling and requested “Made in Europe” incentives to keep production in Europe.

OFFICIAL GAZETTE

The Regulation Amending the Private Health Insurance Regulation has been published in the Official Gazette numbered 33053 and dated October 20, 2025. The regulation removed the written consent requirement, linked data sharing and storage periods to the principles of the Personal Data Protection Law (“KVKK”), set the storage period at 10 years, and stipulated that the obligation to maintain confidentiality would continue even after the termination of duties.