BTK issues statement on fake e-signature scandal: Number of cancelled e-signatures revealed

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) has broken its silence and shared important information regarding the fake e-signature incidents, which have been one of the most controversial scandals in Turkey recently. Explaining that the fake e-signature scandal emerged following a complaint from a university, the BTK announced that the judicial process regarding the matter was initiated by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office in August 2024.

35 FAKE E-SIGNATURES CANCELLED

The BTK reported that 35 identified fake e-signatures were immediately cancelled and that, as a result of ongoing efforts, 9 additional fake e-signatures have also been cancelled. The authority stated that it has strengthened its security mechanisms to prevent forgery and announced that a more effective security infrastructure has been established with the measures taken.

SMS SENT

In order to raise public awareness against the fake e-signature scandal, the BTK sent an SMS to all mobile numbers registered to Turkish ID numbers. The sent SMS stated that secure electronic signatures generated in the names of citizens can be queried via E-Devlet. With this notification, it was stated that users can check their own e-signatures through the "Qualified Electronic Certificate Inquiry" service.

QUERY OPTION VIA E-DEVLET

In the BTK's statement, it was conveyed that the "Qualified Electronic Certificate Inquiry" service is available on the E-Devlet portal and that through this service, users can query their fake e-signatures at the address https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/btv-elektronik-imza-sertifikalari-sorgulama.