Digitalization and its legal dimension in Turkish public administration

Today, digitalization enhances efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in public administration, while also bringing new risks such as cybercrimes and data security concerns. The digital transformation of public services in Türkiye has accelerated with the expansion of e-Government applications and information technologies, making the modernization of administrative processes a significant agenda item. Therefore, understanding the legal dimension of digitalization is critically important for both the effective delivery of public services and the protection of citizens' rights. In this study, the legal dimension of digitalization is examined through content analysis based on a review of relevant legislation and sample judicial decisions. The research evaluates the provisions of the Turkish Penal Code concerning cybercrimes, as well as the Law on the Protection of Personal Data and other related regulations. In particular, Articles 243 to 246 of the Tenth Section titled "Crimes in the Field of Informatics," located in the Third Part of the Code under "Crimes Against Society," are examined in detail. Through content analysis, the scope, shortcomings, and applicability of the current regulations are identified. The findings of the study reveal that although the existing legislation provides an important framework for combating cybercrimes, it remains insufficient in the face of technological advancements. With emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and blockchain, new types of crimes have appeared, requiring updates to current regulations. Additionally, challenges such as the need for technical expertise, difficulties in collecting evidence, and limited international cooperation hinder effective investigation and prosecution of cybercrimes. The study emphasizes the importance of continuously updating legal regulations, strengthening institutional capacity, raising public awareness, and enhancing international cooperation. It concludes that Türkiye needs holistic, sustainable, and legally compliant strategies to effectively combat cybercrimes during its digital transformation process. Furthermore, it finds that for digitalization to be implemented more effectively and lawfully in public administration, continuous legislative updates, strengthened technical expertise and institutional infrastructure, increased public awareness, and improved international collaboration are necessary. Keywords: Digitalization, Public Administration, Cybercrimes, e-Government, Data Security, Personal Data Protection