Turkey passes competition law, raising concern about data, trade secrets

According to an explanation of the law, the adjustment clarifies the scope of the inspection authority, which is "vital for revealing cartels". The change, introduced by President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party, also aims to clarify a self-evaluation method and introduce a new test to evaluate effective competition, among other measures. The AKP says the change aims to bring the competition law up to European Union standards.

Turkey's parliament on Tuesday passed a law that includes giving wider powers to the Competition Authority, a change criticized by opposition parties for not providing measures to protect personal data and trade secrets. According to a section of the law on adjustments to the competition law, the Competition Authority is allowed to obtain copies or physical examples of books, data, and documents from institutions during an inspection.

Members of parliament opposed to the change said more guarantees were needed regarding both personal data and trade secrets while giving such "extensive authority" to the Competition Authority. According to an explanation of the law, the adjustment clarifies the scope of the inspection authority, which is "vital for revealing cartels".

The change, introduced by President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party, also aims to clarify a self-evaluation method and introduce a new test to evaluate the effective competition, among other measures. The AKP says the change aims to bring the competition law up to European Union standards.