Privacy Policy

Last Updated: November 2024

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide Directly:

• Contact Forms: When you submit inquiries, filming permits, or other requests, we collect your name, email address, phone number, company name, and message content.
• Account Registration: If you create an account, we collect login credentials, profile information, and preferences.
• Communication: We collect information from emails, messages, and customer support interactions.
• Transactions: For permits, services, or payments, we collect payment information (processed securely through third-party providers, not stored on our servers).

Information Collected Automatically:

• Usage Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, pages visited, time spent, referring URL, and clickstream data.
• Cookies & Tracking: We use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to understand site usage and improve user experience.
• Device Information: Device type, unique identifiers, and hardware settings.
• Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address (not precise location).

2. How We Use Your Information

• Process filming permit applications and related requests
• Provide location scouting, crew recommendations, and production support services
• Respond to inquiries and provide customer support
• Send newsletters, updates, and promotional content (with your consent)
• Analyze website performance, user behavior, and improve our services
• Prevent fraud, secure our website, and comply with legal obligations
• Conduct market research and gather feedback
• Personalize your experience and deliver relevant content
• Fulfill contracts and process payments

3. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality, security, and legal compliance (cannot be disabled).
• Analytics Cookies: Track user behavior to understand how visitors interact with our site (Google Analytics).
• Marketing Cookies: Enable targeted advertising and measure campaign performance.
• Preference Cookies: Remember your choices, language preferences, and settings.

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings or our consent management tool. Disabling non-essential cookies may affect site functionality.

4. Information Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell your personal data. We may share information with:

• Service Providers: Third-party vendors (hosting, payment processing, analytics, email services) who assist in operating our website and providing services under confidentiality agreements.
• Government & Legal Authority: When required by law, court order, or government request.
• Business Partners: With your consent, for co-marketing or service provision related to film production and location scouting.
• Merger or Acquisition: If the Company is involved in a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your data may be transferred as part of that transaction.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal data, including:

• SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit
• Secure password storage and authentication protocols
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Limited access to personal data among authorized personnel
• Compliance with GDPR, KVKK, and international data protection standards

While we strive to protect your data, no security system is completely impenetrable. We are not liable for unauthorized access to your data due to circumstances beyond our control.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy:

• Contact information: Until you request deletion or opt-out
• Permit applications: For the duration of the permit validity plus 3 years (legal requirement)
• Analytics data: 26 months (Google Analytics default)
• Marketing data: Until you unsubscribe
• Transaction records: 7 years (financial compliance)

After the retention period, we securely delete or anonymize your data.

7. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of personal data we hold about you.
• Right to Correction: Request we correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your data (with limited exceptions for legal compliance).
• Right to Restrict Processing: Request we limit how we use your data.
• Right to Data Portability: Request your data in a portable format.
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt-out of marketing communications and targeted advertising.
• Right to Object: Object to processing of your data for specific purposes.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at the information provided below. We will respond within 30 days (or as required by applicable law).

8. Third-Party Links & Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including social media platforms and external resources. This Privacy Policy does not apply to third-party sites, and we are not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

9. International Data Transfers

The Turkish Film Commission is based in Türkiye. Your data may be transferred to, stored in, and processed in countries other than your country of residence, which may have different data protection laws. By using our website, you consent to such transfers. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including Standard Contractual Clauses and adequacy decisions where applicable.

10. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If we become aware that we have collected data from a child without parental consent, we will immediately delete such information. If you believe we have collected data from a child, please contact us immediately.

11. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or applicable laws. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with an updated “Last Updated” date. Your continued use of the website after changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

12. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR/KVKK)

We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

• Consent: When you explicitly agree to data processing (e.g., newsletters, marketing communications).
• Contract Performance: To fulfill our obligations to you (e.g., processing permits, providing services).
• Legal Obligation: To comply with Turkish and international laws (e.g., tax records, government requests).
• Legitimate Interests: For business purposes that don’t override your rights (e.g., fraud prevention, site analytics).

13. Cookie Consent Management

When you first visit our website, you are presented with a cookie consent banner. You can:

• Accept All: Accept all non-essential cookies.
• Reject Optional: Only accept essential cookies required for site functionality.
• Save Preferences: Customize which types of cookies you allow.

You can modify your preferences at any time by visiting our Cookie Preference Center or clearing your browser cookies.

14. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

15. Data Protection Authority

If you are unsatisfied with our response to your privacy rights request, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority:

• EU Residents: Your local Data Protection Authority (DPA)
• Turkish Residents: Personal Data Protection Authority of Türkiye (Kişisel Verileri Koruma Kurumu – KVKK)
• Other Regions: Your jurisdiction’s competent authority