Turkish Competition Authority Launches Sector Inquiry into AI, Turkey, April 2026——

On April 7, 2026, the Turkish Competition Authority (Rekabet Kurumu, "TCA") announced a comprehensive sector inquiry into the artificial intelligence ecosystem. The Competition Board initiated the inquiry under Article 43 et seq. of Law No. 4054 on the Protection of Competition, which authorizes sector inquiries into industries where competitive conditions may be impaired. No investigation has been opened against specific undertakings, and no findings have been published at this stage.

The controlling statute is Law No. 4054 on the Protection of Competition. Article 43 grants the Competition Board authority to conduct sector inquiries where preliminary findings suggest competitive restrictions. The TCA identifies the AI value chain as the subject: spanning infrastructure, foundation model development, and application layers. Three structural features are the focus: (1) the multi-layered interdependence of the AI value chain; (2) the decisive competitive role of access to data, computing capacity, and financing at the foundation model layer; and (3) the risk that early-mover advantage enables vertically integrated structures reinforcing market power across multiple chain layers.

AI model developers, cloud infrastructure providers, large digital platform operators, and AI application companies with Turkish market exposure face direct implications. The TCA names self-preferencing, tying, exclusionary practices, and access restrictions as AI-specific competition concerns arising from platform integration of AI technologies. The announcement signals heightened merger control scrutiny for AI transactions: acquisitions may affect potential competition, data advantages, and innovation dynamics even where traditional market share thresholds are not triggered.

The TCA has not set a deadline for publishing the sector inquiry report. Findings are expected to inform future policy and potential intervention tool design. Companies with AI product or service offerings in Turkey — particularly those involving foundation models, AI-powered platform features, or AI-related M&A — may receive information requests during the inquiry phase.

Our firm advises on competition law, AI regulatory matters, and merger control across Turkish and international jurisdictions. We have a dedicated partner network for Turkish and EU competition proceedings and welcome inquiries from AI developers, platform operators, and investors with Turkish market exposure. Our work covers competition law compliance programs, AI sector regulatory analysis, merger control filings, Turkish competition advice, antitrust risk assessment, and AI policy engagement.

Source: Turkish Competition Authority (Rekabet Kurumu), Sector Inquiry Announcement, 7 April 2026. Official source: https://www.rekabet.gov.tr/tr/Guncel/yapay-zekaya-rekabet-kurumu-sektor-incel-d21eee058332f11193f70050568585c9 - confirmed April 16, 2026. Controlling statute: Law No. 4054 on the Protection of Competition, Articles 43-47.

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