How Long Should Logs Be Retained Under KVKK? A Guide for 2026

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How Long Should Logs Be Retained Under KVKK? A Guide for 2026

Log retention under KVKK concerns system, access and transaction logs obtained when processing personal data and
is a critical compliance issue governing how long they may be kept. Logs contain user logins, IP information,
transaction histories, access attempts and system activity. Although important for security and legal obligations,
these data cannot be retained indefinitely.

According to the KVKK, the basic principle is clear: personal data must be stored for as long as necessary for the purpose for which they are processed.
This principle also applies to logs. Their retention period must be determined not merely by technical needs, but by
the legal basis, processing purpose and risk analysis.

Short answer: Log records are not subject to a fixed period under the KVKK;
Depending on the purpose, they are generally retained for six months to two years ;
For longer periods, clear legal justification is required. Are logs personal data under KVKK?

Yes. IP addresses, user IDs, device information and transaction histories
can identify a natural person directly or indirectly and therefore qualify as personal data under KVKK.
Therefore, the collection, storage and deletion of log records are subject to the provisions of the KVKK.

Why are log records kept?

The main purpose of keeping log records is to ensure system security and detect possible breaches.
However, this purpose does not grant unlimited data retention.

Main uses:

• Unauthorized access detection
• Cyber attack analysis
• Review of system errors
• Establishing evidence in legal disputes
• Compliance with KVKK and other legislation

According to the KVKK, how long should log records be stored?

KVKK does not set a specific log retention period. Instead, the principle of “relevance, limitation and proportionality to the processing purpose”
applies. Retention periods therefore depend on the company’s activity and processing purpose.

Generally accepted periods

For most institutions in practice:

• Security logs: 6 months - 1 year
• Access logs: 1 year
• Critical system logs: 1 - 2 years

However, these times are not fixed and must necessarily be consistent with the institution's data processing policy.

B10 comment: Retention periods must not be based on “everyone does it”; they must be set using
risk analysis and the legal basis. When should log records be deleted?

According to the KVKK, personal data must be deleted, destroyed, or anonymized when the purpose of processing is eliminated.
This also applies to log records.

Conditions requiring deletion:

• Expiration of retention period
• The processing purpose no longer exists
• Termination of legal obligation
• Request of the data owner (if applicable)

What happens if logs are kept too long?

Keeping data longer than necessary breaches KVKK and may result in:

• Administrative fines
• Data breach risk
• Audit non-compliance findings
• Corporate reputation loss

These are possible consequences.

How should log records be stored?

Both the retention period and the storage method matter.

Access control must be implemented

Logs must only be accessible to authorized persons.

Data must be encrypted

In particular, sensitive log data should be stored securely.

Logs must be protected against alteration

Preserve log integrity and prevent subsequent alteration.

Must have a regular deletion policy

Automatic deletion or anonymization mechanisms must be established.

Practical reality: Not keeping logs is risky,
but keeping them longer than necessary also breaches KVKK. Most frequent mistakes Store an indefinite log

The “we may need it” approach breaches KVKK.

Not creating policy

Companies without written data retention policies are at risk.

Keeping all logs for the same duration

Different types of data require different duration.

Neglecting deletion procedures

Data accumulation occurs when an automatic deletion mechanism is not installed.

B10 approach: setting up log management with compliance + safety balance

As the B10 Digital Agency, we do not treat log records as a technical issue only.
We assess the process as a whole through KVKK compliance, risk analysis,
data minimisation and security requirements
.

Because when the right structure is not established, companies face two extreme risks:
Either it does not keep enough logs and there is a vulnerability,
or retains excess data and creates a KVKK violation.

Conclusion

According to the KVKK, there is no fixed time for log records.
The basic principle, however, is clear: data must be stored only for as long as it is necessary.

The right approach is to keep logs as needed,
delete them when the period expires and manage the whole process through written policies.

Let's Build Your KVKK Compatible Log Management Process Together