Obtaining contact lists for poll campaigns in Turkey, while essential for accurate surveying, is a complex process due to strict data protection laws and the sensitive nature of political data. Unlike commercial marketing, where lead generation through opt-in forms is common, acquiring voter contact lists for political polling requires careful navigation of the Turkish legal framework.
Here's a breakdown of how it generally works and the crucial considerations:
1. The Legal Framework: LPPD (KVKK) and Special Category Data
Turkey's primary data protection law is the Law on the Protection of Personal Data No. 6698 (LPPD), also known turkey phone number list as KVKK (Kişisel Verileri Koruma Kanunu). This law is heavily inspired by the EU's GDPR and imposes significant obligations on data controllers (those conducting the poll campaigns).
Explicit Consent is Paramount: For any personal data processing, especially for sensitive categories, explicit consent is a fundamental requirement. Political opinions are considered "special categories of personal data" under the LPPD. This means you cannot simply acquire a list and start calling/SMSing. Each individual must provide explicit, informed, and freely given consent to be contacted for a political poll.
Purpose Limitation: Data collected for one purpose (e.g., voter registration) cannot simply be used for another (e.g., political polling) without fresh consent for that specific purpose.
Data Controller Registry (VERBIS): Data controllers (including polling organizations) are generally required to register with the Data Controllers' Registry System (VERBIS) of the Turkish Personal Data Protection Authority (KVKK).
Transparency and Information Obligation: When collecting data or initiating contact, you must inform individuals about:
The identity of the data controller.
The purposes of data processing.
The recipients of the data.
The method of data collection and legal basis.
The data subject's rights (e.g., right to access, rectify, erase data).
2. How Polling Organizations Typically Operate (Compliantly):
Given the legal restrictions, direct "purchase" of phone lists for political polling is highly problematic and likely illegal if not done with explicit consent. Reputable polling organizations in Turkey generally employ the following methods to build their contact lists for surveys:
Random Digit Dialing (RDD): This is a common method for telephone surveys. Numbers are generated randomly, and then individuals are screened to determine if they meet the target demographic for the poll. Consent for the survey participation is obtained at the beginning of the call. This is usually seen as compliant as it's not based on pre-existing, identifiable lists.
Voter Registration Data (Limited Use): The Supreme Board of Elections (YSK) is responsible for voter lists. However, direct access to detailed voter contact information for political parties or polling firms for unsolicited contact is strictly regulated. While voter lists are prepared based on civil registration, direct commercial exploitation of this data for polling purposes without individual consent is generally not permitted. Political parties themselves might have limited access to voter data relevant to their members or supporters, but this is governed by specific electoral laws.
Panel Recruitment: Professional polling firms often maintain "opt-in" panels of individuals who have explicitly consented to participate in surveys, including political polls. These panels are built over time through various recruitment methods (online, in-person, referrals), always with clear consent.
Face-to-Face Surveys: In-person surveys conducted in public spaces or door-to-door (where permitted) can be a way to gather data without relying on pre-existing contact lists, as long as consent is obtained before the interview.
Online Panels and Social Media (with Consent): Online survey platforms can be used, and participants can be recruited through social media ads. However, any collection of phone numbers via these channels must still involve clear, explicit opt-in for political polling purposes.
Collaboration with Political Parties/Research Arms (under strict conditions): A political party might commission a polling firm to survey its own members or supporters for whom they already have a legitimate basis for contact (e.g., through membership registration). Even in this scenario, the polling firm would still need to ensure their processing of this data aligns with LPPD.
3. Why "Buying" Contact Lists is Risky and Potentially Illegal: