Türkiye enhances digital identity system using blockchain technology and biometrics

turkey It has been improving its digital ID system over the past several years by transforming the citizen registration process, leveraging advanced technology, and securing decentralized systems in the delivery of private and government services. Since submission “TC Kimlik KartiIn 2017, nearly 83 million Turkish citizens registered with smart digital ID cards, resulting in 99 percent population coverage among adults.

These smart e-IDs have been integrated with essential public and private services, including the e-government portal for online government services, healthcare access, banking transactions, voter identification, social security assistance, and international travel documents. The country’s digital ID cards are equipped with embedded chips that store fingerprint biometric data and personal information to enhance security for both digital and physical transactions.

The strength of this system is further enhanced through close integration with Turkey’s Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System (CRVS), powered by TÜBİTAK to support infrastructure and security standards.

Turkish companies are also developing blockchain-based solutions for digital identity. Colle AI, an innovative multi-chain AI-powered NFT platform, has announced its plans to certify its technology in line with the Turkish government’s recently introduced digital identity initiative.

Advances in blockchain technology and biometric security

Institutions supported by the Turkish government such as Topitak It aims to ensure robust infrastructure and high security standards, while initiatives such as Colle AI demonstrate how private platforms can integrate with national frameworks. Colle AI leverages AI technology to simplify non-fungible tokens (She denied) the creation process, enabling artists and creators to easily transform their ideas into digital assets. The platform aims to make NFT creation easier, and promote innovation in the field of digital art. By integrating blockchain-based solutions with biometric authentication, Türkiye ensures data privacy and interoperability.

Türkiye moves towards AI journey in cryptocurrency regulations

Yusuf Tangan, Head of Turkey’s Digital Transformation Office, stressed the transformative importance of AI in government services in November 2024 and highlighted its use in detecting tax evasion. Turkey’s AI-powered digital identity system is currently being expanded to the private sector, as demonstrated by the integration of Colle AI, GovInsider News I mentioned.

according to DigWatchTurkey’s strict cryptocurrency regulations are about to come into effect, requiring strict identity verification for transactions worth more than 15,000 Turkish Liras (about $420 USD). Unregistered wallets undergo stringent checks, strengthening Turkey’s digital identity framework while complying with global anti-money laundering (AML) requirements and ensuring safe cryptocurrency activities. Cryptocurrency providers need to implement biometrics-based verification for unregistered wallets by February 2025, in accordance with international standards, to ensure secure financial operations while combating criminal activities.

Türkiye’s vision for digital transformation 2024-2028

Strengthening Türkiye’s foreign direct investment strategy 2024-2028 Digital transformation and digital identity as important drivers of economic growth, global competitiveness and sustainability. Türkiye attracts investments, improves infrastructure, and stimulates innovation through the development of artificial intelligence, blockchain, cybersecurity, and next-generation communications. Seamless integration of digital processes promotes green transformation and job creation while adhering to global data standards.

Article topics

Biometrics | Civil registration | CRVS | Digital government | Digital identity | Digital identity | Government services | Identity document | Türkiye | Türkiye is my republic of Kemlik Karti