Lawyers Burçak Ünsal

Burçak Ünsal

Burçak Ünsal

Unsal Law

Burcak Unsal has 22 years of experience dedicated to law practice, admitted to New York State and Istanbul Bars.

In addition to his capacity as a lawyer, Burcak also occupies executive positions at the boards of leading companies in crypto and blockchain industry.

Prior to establishing Unsal Law, Burcak has been the regional counsel of Google & YouTube for almost three years.

Burçak Ünsal has previously led the IT Law, corporate-commercial and M&A teams of DLA Piper in Istanbul. Ünsal was also an associate at one of the leading US Law Firms, Baker Botts in Washington DC, and Kobayashi Todo Law Firm in Tokyo.

Burçak Ünsal has both science and law degrees, giving him the edge to fully comprehend the practical needs of the technology and fintech companies.

Burcak has an LL.M. at the University of Virginia Law School, an M.Sc. at the Institute of Science, University of Aegea and and LL.B. at University of Marmara, Law School.

With a multi-disciplinary Professional and educational background Burcak is also qualified as a patent and trade-mark attorney before the European Patent Institute and the Turkish Patent Institute.

Burçak Ünsal teaches crypto assets regulations at Izmir University of Economics and cyber law at the Bosphorus University, Turkey’s most prestigious university. Ünsal is a member of the Bosphorus University Information Systems Research Center. In addition to his teaching post at the Bosphorus University, Ünsal offers courses, seminars, and conferences more than 50 times a year at prestigious NGOs such as the Propeller Club, UK Chamber of Commerce, Swiss Chamber of Commerce, other prestigious universities, and Corporate/IT Law Summits.

Burçak Ünsal is also a lecturer at and corporate member of the Ethics and Reputation Society of Turkey and a board member of the Corporate Governance Association of Turkey, which is one of the most essential business societies.

By virtue of his multi-disciplinary education in law and science, Ünsal makes a significant contribution to the progress of legal practice in corporate and commercial law, technology, artificial intelligence, IoT, blockchain, telecoms and life sciences industries.


Practice Areas & Work Department

Fintech

Technology & Telecoms

Information Technologies

Digital Assets and Blockchain

Data Protection & Privacy

Intellectual Property

E-Commerce

Corporate Governance

 

Languages

English

Turkish

Japanese

 

Memberships

New York Bar

Istanbul Bar

Bosphorus University Information Systems Research Center

European Patent Institue, Patent Agent, Trademark Agent

International Bar Association

American Bar Association

Corporate Governance Association of Turkey

E-Commerce and Internet Law Association

The Ethics and Reputation Society of Turkey

The Board of Discipline of the Sailing Federation of Turkey

Marmara University Law School Legal Research Society

New Turkish Personal Data Protection Law, Data Transfers And Sensitive Data

On 16.02.2024, the bill proposing amendments to the Personal Data Protection Law No. 6698 (the "KVKK") has been submitted to the Parliament (Law Proposal on the Amendment of the Criminal Procedure Law, Certain Laws and the Decree Law No. 659 ("Proposal" or "Amendment"). Purpose of the Amendment is to further harmonize an already aligned KVKK with the GDPR, which has been a priority for the Turkish regulators as stated in their strategy and policy documents for years.

22.02.2024

Mobile App Privacy And Data Protection Compliance

Mobile application is a specialized computer program or software designed to run on mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, or smartwatches. The widespread prevalence of mobile applications is significant due to the convenience and accessibility they offer in various aspects of our daily lives. However, this ubiquity also brings data privacy risks that are noteworthy. As mobile applications become increasingly common, users often share personal data, preferences, and usage patterns, making their data vulnerable to potential privacy breaches.

07.02.2024

Turkey's Crypto Law Down to Home Stretch

Despite being one of the most active and preferred countries for crypto service providers and crypto asset projects, Turkey has not regulated the crypto market, yet. This is about to change very soon and the new law will entrench Turkey's position as a crypto-friendly country.

24.01.2024

Fintech Laws and Regulations Turkiye 2023 - Part 2

In Turkey, the collection, use, and transmission of personal data are regulated under the Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK). Fintech businesses must comply with the KVKK's requirements for lawful and transparent data processing, explicit consent, and security measures. The KVKK applies to organizations established outside Turkey if they process personal data of individuals in Turkey. Data privacy violations may result in administrative fines, criminal sanctions, and civil liability. Fintech businesses must also adhere to cyber security regulations, including data protection and AI strategies. AML and financial crime requirements apply to crypto asset service providers.

24.07.2023

Fintech Laws and Regulations Turkiye 2023 - Part 1

The fintech landscape in Turkey encompasses various types of fintech businesses, such as payment systems, digital banking, decentralized finance, insurance technologies, and more. The market has seen significant growth, with over 600 active fintech companies reported as of February 2023. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital financial services, particularly contactless payments and online banking. There is also a growing focus on sustainable finance, and regulatory agencies support fintech development. Crypto asset usage for payments is prohibited, but crypto exchanges are currently allowed to operate. Incentive schemes and funding options are available, including angel investors, venture capital, and government loans. IPOs and acquisitions have occurred in the fintech sector. Regulatory frameworks exist for electronic money institutions, payment systems, digital banking, and other fintech activities. Specific regulations for cryptocurrencies or crypto assets are currently under development, and a regulatory sandbox is being established for fintech testing.

19.07.2023

TMT Comparative Guide - Part 5

In the telecommunications sector, Turkey's Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) establishes and protects competition, imposing obligations on operators with market power. Predatory pricing and hindering competitors are prohibited. The ICTA conducts market analysis and can impose obligations and fines on operators. Unfair competition provisions apply to internet activities, including domain names and advertising. Media broadcasting content must not serve unfair interests, and measures prevent media monopolization. Social media influencers must comply with advertising guidelines. The Competition Authority collaborates with sectoral regulators, but its powers do not extend to overseeing other public institutions. Data security measures are mandated for telecommunications operators and ISPs. Cybersecurity measures exist, particularly for critical infrastructure sectors. Legislative reforms are expected, including amendments to the data protection law. TMT players should be aware of licensing requirements and consider the regulatory landscape.

10.07.2023

TMT Comparative Guide - Part 4

In Turkey, provisions for high-speed broadband are governed by the Electronic Communications Law. Net neutrality regulations are not specific, but non-discriminatory provision of electronic communication services is ensured. ISPs may block websites for specific crimes. The use of VPNs is not prohibited, but restrictions exist. ISPs are not liable for offending content unless they fail to block it. Digital platforms are regulated under various laws. Public broadcasters are governed by the TRT Law, and commercial broadcasters require licences from the RTSC. Competition regulations apply, and mergers/acquisitions require approval. Challenges include competition protection and fair practices.

10.07.2023

TMT Comparative Guide - Part 3

In Turkey, telecommunications operators require permission from the ICTA to transfer shares of 10% or more and must inform the ICTA for transfers below 10%. Mergers and takeovers also require ICTA permission, and operators must comply with application requirements. The ICTA regulates interconnection, numbering, and allocation of frequencies. Universal service obligations include fixed telephony, emergency calls, basic internet, and more. Interconnection fees are determined by the ICTA. Number portability is available, and operators must provide it. Retail customer charges and terms are subject to regulation by the ICTA.

09.07.2023
Load More
Ready to stay ahead of the curve?
Share your interest anonymously and let us guide you through the informative articles on the hottest legal topics.
|
Successful Your message has been sent