1. Introduction

The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Information Commercialization and Research Foundation – BTM (hereinafter referred to as “BTM”) is a social organization that offers all kinds of support professionally in the processes of commercialization and growth of new business ideas, focusing on entrepreneurship and innovation, and strives to promote them.

BTM has launched the Website (www.btm.istanbul) (“Website”) to announce its activities.

Please read these Terms of Use and Privacy Policy (“Terms of Use and Privacy Policy”) before using the Website.

All natural and legal persons who access or benefit from the Website in any way are deemed to have accepted these Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. These Terms of Use and Privacy Policy apply to all uses of the Website and must be accepted even if the Website is used without creating a user account.

Users and visitors of the Website are required to act in compliance with Turkish law and general ethical rules while using the Website.

BTM is the legal owner of this Website and holds all rights to use and dispose of the Website. Copying the entire or any part of the Website is strictly prohibited under the laws of the Republic of Turkey and relevant legal regulations.

2. Cookies

The Website may use cookies to provide users and visitors with a more comfortable experience. For more information about the use of cookies by the Website, please review our Cookie Policy.

3. Links

There may be links on this Website that direct you to third-party sites or allow third parties to reach this Website. These linked sites are not under BTM’s control. BTM is not responsible for the content or any links on these third-party sites. Providing links to third-party sites does not imply endorsement of these sites or their content, products, or services by BTM.

Additionally, privacy policies of these third-party websites or mobile applications may differ from these Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Therefore, we recommend you review the terms and privacy policies of these third parties separately.

BTM shall not be liable for any damage or penalty incurred due to access or redirection through the Website.

4. Intellectual Property

All intellectual property rights (“Intellectual Property”) related to the Website and its content (“Content”) belong to BTM or third parties. The Content is protected under international copyright laws and other applicable legislation. Elements of the Website, trade dress, trade secrets, unfair competition, and all related legislation protect them, and copying or imitating all or part of them is prohibited.

All special graphics, icons, and other elements visible on the Website are trademarks, service marks, or trade dress (“Marks”) of BTM or other entities licensed to BTM, and cannot be used or interfered with in any way without BTM’s explicit written permission.

Unless expressly authorized in these Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, the Intellectual Property of the Website cannot be copied, reproduced, modified, rented, lent, sold, derived, transferred, or distributed without the prior written consent of BTM or the relevant third party. Except as explicitly stated, no rights, whether explicit or implicit, are granted to you regarding the Intellectual Property of BTM or any third party.

5. No Warranty

While BTM tries to ensure the accuracy of information accessed through the Website, it does not guarantee the completeness, validity, or accuracy of any information or material on the Website.

BTM makes no explicit or implicit warranties, including but not limited to non-infringement of property or third-party rights, under applicable law. BTM accepts no liability for any application on the Website; does not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation or repair of faults. BTM does not warrant compatibility of the Website with your computer, or that the Website or service providers are free of viruses, worms, or Trojans; it is not responsible for any damages resulting therefrom. BTM is also not responsible for the reliability or continuous availability of phone lines and equipment used to access the Website.

6. Information Sharing

Website users and visitors declare that information they enter on the Website belongs to them, is accurate, and up to date. Users and visitors are responsible for any damages caused by incomplete, erroneous, or third-party information entered on the Website.

7. Indemnification

You agree to defend and indemnify BTM, its employees, representatives, and suppliers against any claims, lawsuits, or demands arising from or connected to:

a) Your use of the Website,
b) Your violation of the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy,
c) Your use of the Website that:
i. Infringes any third party’s intellectual or personal rights,
ii. Contains defamatory or injurious content to third parties,
d) Deleting, adding, or altering any content on the Website,
e) Unauthorized use or modification of the Website,
f) Breach of any commitments under these Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

This includes any claims from third parties due to their use of your computer to access the Website. You agree to cover any costs, damages, or expenses (including attorney fees) arising from third-party claims.

8. Changes to the Website

BTM may change these Terms of Use and Privacy Policy at any time; such changes will be published on the Website and become effective on the date of publication. Therefore, you should review the Terms and Policy every time you visit the Website. Continued use after changes signifies acceptance of the modifications. If you do not accept, you should not use the Website.

BTM also reserves the right to change any element, technical feature, information, forms, or content on the Website at its sole discretion. Such changes may result in restricted access.

9. Protection of Personal Data

The Website collects, processes, transfers, and stores personal data in compliance with the Constitution of Turkey, Law No. 6698 on Protection of Personal Data, and all related regulations and the Disclosure Statement on Personal Data Processing. For more details, please refer to the Disclosure Statement.

10. Management of Personal Data

If you request that your personal data not be stored or processed, BTM will delete, destroy, or anonymize data that is no longer required for system operation or legal obligations, in accordance with relevant laws.

11. Security

BTM commits to protecting your data—including personal data—using secure databases, servers, firewalls, encrypted emails, and the latest technologies. It analyzes current data values and risks to implement the broadest and most suitable preventive measures. In case of cyber-attacks causing theft, deletion, or alteration of user data, BTM will notify the data owner and authorities as soon as possible.

BTM takes all administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect personal data against loss, theft, misuse, unauthorized access, sharing, alteration, or destruction.

12. Blocking Electronic Communications

You can opt out of receiving any electronic messages, including promotional emails, at any time using the unsubscribe option provided. Unless otherwise required by law, your personal data used for commercial electronic communication will be deleted, destroyed, or anonymized in our databases.

13. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms of Use and Privacy Policy are governed by the laws of the Republic of Turkey. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Istanbul (Çağlayan) Courts and Enforcement Offices.

14. Contact

For comments or questions regarding these Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, you can contact us via the “Contact” section on the Website.

COOKIE POLICY

This Cookie Policy (“Policy”) applies to the Website www.btm.istanbul published by the Information Commercialization Center – BTM (“BTM”) and explains the principles of cookie usage.

By using the Website, you accept the use of cookies in accordance with this Policy. If you do not wish cookies to be used in this way, you should adjust your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect your user experience.

What is a Cookie?

Cookies are small text files or data fragments belonging to BTM or third parties, stored on your device when you visit the Website to ensure proper operation, improve user experience, develop the site, and provide personalized content.

Cookies collect usage data related to the Website, making internet use easier by remembering preferences.

They usually contain the website’s name, lifespan, and a unique random number. Cookies also help remember your preferences when revisiting the site.

Types and Purpose of Cookies

We use session and analytic cookies. Session cookies last while you use the site and are deleted after browser closure or set time. They ensure the Website functions correctly during your visit. Analytic cookies provide visitor counts, pages viewed, visit times, and other analytics.

Cookies are mainly used to:

• Recognize you on your next visit and personalize content and browsing experience,
• Improve user experience,
• Generate traffic statistics,
• Identify how you heard about the Website.
• Data collected via cookies is not used to identify you personally.

Are Cookies Mandatory?

Cookie usage is not mandatory for using the Website but provides a better user experience. You may delete or block non-essential cookies, but some parts of the Website may not function properly if blocked.

How to Control or Delete Cookies

Cookies are not designed to collect personal data or email information. Browsers generally accept cookies by default but can be configured to block or notify you when cookies are sent.

Changing settings can delete existing cookies or block future ones. Use your browser’s help function to find these settings.

Blocking cookies may require you to re-enter information each visit and may prevent access to some services or personalized content.

By accepting cookies, you consent to the processing of your personal data in accordance with the Disclosure Statement and this Policy.