AI Technologies and the Future of Copyright Law

Today, artificial intelligence (AI) models produce work across many fields once thought to belong to human creativity — from writing text and developing code to visual art and composing music. As both a software developer and a lawyer examining the intersection of these two worlds, I find that the legal status of AI-generated works has become one of the most dynamic and contested areas of modern copyright law.

1. Are AI-Generated Works Considered "Works"?

Traditional copyright regimes (including Turkey's Law on Intellectual and Artistic Works) require two fundamental conditions for a product to be protected as a "work":

• Human creativity: The product must be created by a human being.

• Originality: It must carry the personal traces, style and creativity of its creator.

AI tools (ChatGPT, Midjourney, etc.) can generate output within seconds based on the prompts given to them. However, an image or block of code produced entirely autonomously by the system does not, under current legislation, qualify as a "work" — because it contains no direct human labor — and therefore cannot benefit from copyright protection.

2. The Legal Dimension of Data Used to Train AI

The advancement of AI models is made possible by training the system on millions of pieces of data, code, articles and images scraped from the internet (data mining).

• When developers use copyright-protected open-source code or artistic works to train AI, whether this constitutes "copyright infringement" has become the subject of major lawsuits worldwide.

• The current trend is toward establishing new global standards on where the limits of fair use end and how the rights of creators will be protected.

3. Risks and Opportunities for Software Developers

For developers building apps in the iOS and macOS ecosystem in particular, AI assistants (GitHub Copilot, Xcode Predictive Code Completion, etc.) provide a major productivity boost. However, when using the generated code in commercial projects, the following points require attention:

• License violations: Code blocks suggested by AI may have been copied from other, license-protected software. This can unknowingly lead to intellectual property infringement.

• Ownership rights: Claiming copyright over algorithms written entirely by AI can be difficult. Documenting the human touch and architectural design in the original parts of the project is important.

Conclusion

Technology is rapidly pushing the existing limits of the law. The balance between AI and copyright law should be neither so rigid as to restrict creativity, nor so flexible as to permit the theft of labor. The coming period will see new legal reforms that protect the ownership rights of people who use AI as a "tool."

ARTICLE 2

Defamation on Social Media and the Compensation Process: How to Protect Your Rights

Today, social media platforms (Instagram, X/Twitter, Facebook, TikTok) and messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram) are at the center of our daily communication. But the convenience of these digital spaces can sometimes lead to boundaries being crossed and personal rights being attacked.

So what are your legal rights when you are defamed on social media? Does a screenshot count as evidence? Here is what to do, step by step.

Is Defamation on Social Media a Crime?

Under Article 125 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK), a person who attributes a concrete act or fact capable of harming another's honor, dignity and reputation — or who attacks a person's honor, dignity and reputation by insulting them — is subject to punishment.

If this act is committed on digital platforms visible to everyone, such as Twitter or Instagram, or in multi-member WhatsApp groups, the offense is deemed to have been "committed publicly." This element of publicity causes the penalty to be increased by one-sixth under the law.

Is a Screenshot Alone Considered Evidence?

The first thing people who are defamed on social media do is take a screenshot. But because screenshots are very easy to manipulate (e.g. with photo editing) in the digital world, criminal courts may not always accept a screenshot alone as conclusive evidence.

To Document the Defamation Completely, Do the Following:

• Capture the URL: Always copy and save the full web address (URL) of the offending post or profile.

• Capture the comment and the profile together: Take a wide screenshot that clearly includes not just the text but also the username, profile photo and, if available, the profile link of the offending account.

• Use the E-Determination System: One of the most reliable methods is to officially record the relevant web page using the "E-Tespit" (E-Determination) system of the Union of Turkish Notaries. This way, even if the other party deletes the comment, your evidence becomes official.

Can Offenders Using Fake Accounts Be Identified?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions. If the other party is not using their real name, an investigation is conducted through the prosecutor's office to identify the IP address.

Foreign-based companies such as X (Twitter) and Instagram may not always share IP addresses with judicial authorities in Turkey. However, thanks to digital footprints that cybercrime experts can trace — such as a photo shared on the offender's profile, the first letters of an email address, or the last two digits of a phone number — the identities of the people behind fake accounts can often be uncovered.

The Legal Process Step by Step: What Should You Do?

1. Complaint Period (6 Months): Defamation is, as a rule, subject to complaint. You must begin the legal process within 6 months from the date you learn of the defamation and the person who committed it.

2. Criminal Complaint to the Prosecutor: With the screenshots and digital evidence you have gathered, you can file a criminal complaint at the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

3. Action for Non-Pecuniary Damages: In addition to the criminal investigation, you reserve the right to file an action for non-pecuniary (moral) damages before the Civil Court of First Instance to compensate for the psychological harm caused by the violation of your personal rights.

Remember: the internet is not a lawless space, and crimes committed while hiding behind a keyboard also carry legal consequences.

A Guide for iOS Developers: Copyright, Privacy Policy and KVKK/GDPR on the App Store

Developing an iOS app is not only about writing code, designing elegant interfaces (UI), or delivering a great user experience (UX). To avoid having your app rejected by Apple (App Store Rejection) and to avoid facing heavy legal penalties in the future, knowing your legal responsibilities is vital.

Here are the fundamental legal rules and a legal checklist every iOS developer should know.

1. Copyright on the App Store (Intellectual Property)

Every image, icon, sound effect or piece of source code you use in your app is a matter of intellectual property law. Copying another app's design exactly, or using material whose copyright does not belong to you, can lead to your app being permanently removed.

• Open-Source Code Use: Always check the licenses (MIT, Apache, GNU, etc.) of the CocoaPods or Swift Package Manager packages you add to your project. Some licenses do not allow you to use the code in commercial apps without attribution.

• Visual and Audio Assets: Make sure the elements you use in the app are royalty-free, or purchase the license rights. Apple removes apps from the store quickly upon copyright infringement (DMCA) notices from third parties.

2. A Mandatory Step: The App Privacy Policy

Apple requires a Privacy Policy URL to be entered for every app uploaded to the App Store. You should prepare this policy not only for Apple, but also to comply with GDPR (the EU General Data Protection Regulation) globally and KVKK (the Personal Data Protection Law) in Turkey.

Your privacy policy should clearly answer the following:

• What data do you collect from the user? (Email, location, device ID, etc.)

• For what purpose do you process this data?

• Do you share the data with third-party companies such as Firebase, OneSignal or Google AdMob?

• How can a user request the deletion of their data?

3. App Tracking Transparency (ATT) and Data Tracking

The ATT framework, introduced with iOS 14.5, requires you to obtain explicit permission from users before tracking their data for advertising purposes.

• If you plan to add Google AdMob ads to your app or to track users' digital footprints, you must add the NSUserTrackingUsageDescription key to your Info.plist file and show the user that well-known permission prompt.

• Tracking data in the background without obtaining this permission is a direct reason for rejection by Apple's App Review team.

4. Children's Privacy and the "Made for Kids" Category

If your app is aimed at children, the legal rules are much stricter (COPPA and the children's provisions of the GDPR).

• In apps aimed at children, you cannot collect users' precise location, show personalized ads, or allow external links (Safari redirects) without a parental gate.

Legal Checklist for iOS Developers:

1. Always include a link to an official Privacy Policy on your app's website (or on a subpage we create on this platform).

2. Allow users to delete their accounts directly from within the app (a strict Apple rule).

3. List the license agreements of all third-party libraries you use in the "Licenses" section of your project.

Remember: a legally safe app is also the most reputable app in the eyes of users.

Montenegro Travel Guide: A Complete Guide to the Balkans' Hidden Gem

One of the most striking countries on the Adriatic coast, Montenegro draws more travelers every year with its turquoise coves, the fjord-like Bay of Kotor, medieval towns, and dramatic mountain scenery. In this guide we bring together where to go in Montenegro, when to visit, and practical travel tips.

Where Is Montenegro, and Why Visit?

Montenegro is a small but stunning country on the Balkan Peninsula, bordered to the west by the Adriatic Sea, with Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania as neighbors. Despite its modest size, its geographic diversity is remarkable: within a few hours you can go from the beach to high mountains, from canyons to lakes. Relatively affordable prices make it especially attractive.

Places You Shouldn't Miss

Kotor. The walled old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the heart of Montenegro. Its narrow stone streets, squares, and bay views are enchanting. Climbing the fortress walls for a view over the Bay of Kotor is unforgettable.

Budva. The center of coastal tourism, with lively nightlife, sandy beaches, and a charming old town. The surrounding beaches and islands are worth exploring too.

Sveti Stefan. Once a fishing village, now an iconic islet resort — one of Montenegro's most photographed landmarks.

Bay of Kotor (Boka). This inward-winding bay of the Adriatic offers a unique landscape where mountains meet the sea. The town of Perast and the two small islands before it (Our Lady of the Rocks) are must-sees.

Durmitor National Park. The mountainous region in the north — a paradise for nature lovers with glacial lakes, hiking trails, and the Tara Canyon, one of the deepest in the world.

Ulcinj. A coastal town in the country's south, known for its long sandy beaches and the warmest waters on the Adriatic. Ideal for those seeking a quieter holiday.

When to Go

The best time is May–June and September–October: mild weather and fewer crowds. July–August is ideal for the coast but the busiest and most expensive period. Summer suits mountain regions and hiking; winter sports are also possible in Durmitor.

Practical Tips

The currency is the Euro (Montenegro uses it despite not being an EU member). The climate difference between the coast and the northern mountains can be significant, so dress in layers. Renting a car offers flexibility for short distances, though mountain roads can be narrow and winding. Boat tours between coastal towns are an enjoyable alternative.

A Montenegro Guide in Your Pocket

If you're discovering Montenegro for the first time, having city-by-city sights, beaches, and practical information in your pocket makes everything easier. For detailed city and beach guides, check out our Love Montenegro app — a comprehensive guide with 15 cities and 12 beaches, built to help you plan your trip.