Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Prevention of Personal Data Board (KVKK) and Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) signed a collaboration protocol on Monday, 2 December 2024 at 10:30 a.m. The signing session took place at the Rector’s Office building where EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and Chair of the TRNC KVKK Assist. Prof. Dr. Kaan Kutlay signed the said protocol.
Present during the signing session were EMU Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu, Acting Dean of EMU Faculty of Law Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arzu Alibaba, Rector’s Coordinator and Student Affairs Coordinator Assist. Prof. Dr. Arzu Abiç, Academic Affairs Coordinator and former Chair of EMU KVKK Hürol Mear, Vice Dean of EMU Faculty of Law and KVKK member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Demet Çelik Ulusoy and other members of the KVKK.
The protocol signed between the TRNC KVKK and EMU aims to collaborate on studies and publications related to personal data protection, data privacy, and security, as well as to implement national and international projects and work together on educational and training initiatives.
Speaking prior to the signing session, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Kılıç expressed that since the Board’s establishment, EMU has made efforts to contribute to its activities and initiatives, noting that EMU has organized various panels and workshops in this regard. Emphasizing the establishment of the EMU Personal Data Protection Club, Prof. Dr. Kılıç highlighted the importance of the students’ sensitivity to personal data protection as a significant development.
EMU – First University to Sign a Protocol
Prof. Dr. Kılıç stressed that EMU is the first university in the TRNC to sign a protocol with the Prevention of Personal Data Board (KVKK), aiming to enhance cooperation, raise public awareness about the related rights, and provide support to the Board in academic, educational, and human resources. Expressing his immense happiness about this milestone, Prof. Dr. Kılıç wished that the protocol would be beneficial for both institutions and the country.
In his speech, Assist. Prof. Dr. Kaan Kutlay, the Chair of TRNC KVKK, expressed his contentment on being at EMU as one of its graduates and mentioned that they were delighted to collaborate with the nation’s top educational institution. Assist. Prof. Dr. Kutlay highlighted that the most crucial need is human resources and noted that EMU has the qualified personnel required to help advance the Board. Assist. Prof. Dr. Kutlay stated that they believe this collaboration will propel the Board forward, and provided detailed information about the Board, wishing that the collaboration protocol would be advantageous for both institutions.
Another speech was delivered by the Acting Dean of EMU Faculty of Law, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arzu Alibaba who wished that the protocol would be beneficial for all, while underscoring the importance of prevention of personal data. Stating that the EMU Prevention of Personal Data Club was established with the initiatives of EMU Faculty of Law, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alibaba noted that the first event of the club will be held following the signing of the protocol. EMU Academic Affairs Coordinator and former Chair of EMU KVKK, Hürol Mear, shared information regarding the work carried out during his service and wished for a fruitful protocol.
Following the Protocol Signing Session, Chair of the EMU Prevention of Personal Data Club Lütfiye Beyza Muratoğlu, General Secretary Muhammet Ali Taş and Club members Elif Kerten and Ali Cebrail İnan attended the meeting, exchanging views with the Chair and members of TRNC KVKK.
