Blockchain-Powered New E-Government Identity Infrastructure

Türkiye’s digital transformation is entering a new era with the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Program. A blockchain-based digital identity infrastructure and an integrated electronic notification system will fundamentally reshape access to public services. At the center of this transformation is TÜBİTAK BİLGEM’s SSI Türkiye infrastructure.

The New Era of E-Government | Digital Transformation Accelerates

Three major innovations stand out under the Digital Government Strategy:

• Integrated E-Notification Service will allow official notifications to be delivered directly through the e-Government platform. Notifications from SGK, GİB, and PTT will be consolidated into a single interface. To date, 166.5 million documents have been delivered electronically, generating 9 billion TRY in savings.
  
• Unified payment and authentication applications will bring services from different public institutions under one roof. Citizens will complete transactions quickly and securely without repeating authentication for every institution.
  
• Blockchain-based digital identity infrastructure represents the most revolutionary pillar. Developed by TÜBİTAK BİLGEM, the system maximizes personal data security while simplifying authentication processes.
  

SSI Türkiye | The New Standard for Digital Identity

TÜBİTAK BİLGEM’s Blockchain Laboratory has been developing Türkiye’s digital identity infrastructure since 2018. The SSI (Self-Sovereign Identity) Türkiye Platform operates on decentralized identity principles, enabling citizens to maintain full control over their digital identity data.

The platform’s first version (v1.0) launched in November 2023. It includes both a developer-oriented TestNet and a PublicNet network active in user products. The platform is also completing its international recognition process for the “did:tr” DID method.

Why Blockchain Technology Is Critical

Using blockchain in digital identity systems provides significant advantages. Traditional systems store all data on centralized servers, creating a single point of failure. In blockchain-based systems, encrypted data is stored across a distributed network, providing much stronger security.

Its immutability ensures that identity information cannot be tampered with without network consensus, preventing identity theft and forgery.

Transparency and auditability are also strengths. Every authentication event is recorded on the blockchain while personal information remains encrypted. When needed, transaction history can be audited without compromising privacy.

E-Wallet Application | Your Digital Identity in Your Pocket

The user interface of the new system will be the e-Wallet mobile application. Citizens will be able to access e-Government using their blockchain-based digital identities. According to Vice President Fuat Oktay, the system will enable a transition “from online e-government to offline e-government.”

Users will securely store their digital identity data on their smartphones. Authentication will be possible even without an internet connection. Beyond e-Government, the e-Wallet will also be used in banking, e-commerce, telecom services, and healthcare.

Electronic Notification | Digitalizing Official Communication

The e-notification system allows taxpayers and all citizens to conduct official correspondence with the state digitally. Made mandatory in 2024, the system receives over 110,000 monthly searches. With 166.5 million documents delivered electronically so far, approximately 9 billion TRY in postal expenses have been saved.

With the new “My e-Notifications” feature on the e-Government Gateway, citizens can view all electronic notifications from SGK, GİB, and PTT UETS in one secure, centralized interface. In the coming period, e-notification will work fully integrated with the e-Government platform. Tax notices, court notifications, payment orders, and all formal communications will be accessible from a single location—eliminating the need to track notifications across multiple institutional systems.

A centralized public notification system will also be part of this infrastructure, allowing urgent updates and reminders to be sent instantly to citizens. Notifications sent through e-Government will hold full legal validity, with precise timestamps for receipt.

A major improvement is coming for Turkish citizens abroad. With the cooperation protocol signed between the Ministries of Justice, Foreign Affairs, and Transport, e-notifications will be sent through consulates. Among 174,892 judicial notifications sent abroad in 2021–2022, 20,132 could not be delivered. The new system will reduce delivery times from 3–6 months to just a few days, preventing loss of rights and improving judicial efficiency.

Security and Privacy | Advantages of the SSI Model

The SSI (Self-Sovereign Identity) model represents a paradigm shift in digital identity management. Users become the sole owners and controllers of their identity data. Information is stored not on a central authority’s servers, but on the user’s device.

The system is built on verifiable credentials. An institution digitally verifies a piece of information about a user and records it on the blockchain. When the user needs to share this information, they share only its cryptographic proof—not the data itself.

For example, instead of revealing your birth date, you can prove cryptographically that you are “over 18.” This prevents unnecessary data sharing and enhances privacy.

The Leading Role of TÜBİTAK BİLGEM

TÜBİTAK BİLGEM is Türkiye’s largest R&D center in information security and computing technologies, with over 50 years of experience and more than 2,000 experts.

Since 2017, the Blockchain Research Laboratory has been conducting studies on blockchain and crypto assets. The SSI Türkiye project is being developed under the Digital Transformation Office as part of the Presidential Action Plan.

In addition to building the infrastructure, the laboratory also leads standardization efforts. Together with the Turkish Standards Institution (TSE), national standards for blockchain-based digital identity are being established.

Integrated Services | One-Stop Access

When the e-Government Gateway launched in 2008, it offered 22 services. Today, it provides more than 7,000 services and has nearly 63 million users. As the number of services grew, the concept of “integrated services” emerged.

• “My Vehicles” consolidates taxes, HGS-OGS, emissions, and traffic fines.
• “My Work Life” covers retirement status, SGK debts, and employment documents.
• “My Military Service” exceeded 19 million uses in its first months.
• Upcoming services include “My Family Life,” “My Children,” and “My School.”
  

Public and Private Sector Use Cases

Blockchain-based digital identity unlocks a wide range of applications. In the public sector, having a single digital identity for interactions with different institutions will reduce bureaucracy.

In banking, KYC processes will accelerate—identity verification completed at one bank will be accepted by others. In e-commerce, telecom services, and healthcare, authentication will become seamless. In education, diplomas can be instantly verified, while in job applications and rental agreements, identity verification will be immediate.

Other Pillars of Digital Transformation

The modernization of e-Government goes beyond identity and notifications. Between 2026 and 2028, 5G deployment will expand, and fiber infrastructure will be strengthened.

AI integration will play a key role. The e-Government Gateway will offer AI-powered online assistance available 24/7.

Support for SMEs’ digital transition will grow, open-source solutions will be fostered, and cloud-based technologies will be encouraged.

Significant investments are also planned in artificial intelligence. The TRUBA supercomputer will expand, and a Turkish Large Language Model Project will be launched. The combined use of AI and blockchain will pave the way for smarter, more secure digital services.

International Compliance and Standards

SSI Türkiye is being developed in alignment with international standards. Work continues on registering the “did:tr” DID method. Harmonization with the EU Artificial Intelligence Act is ongoing. Under the Digital Europe Program, the number of European Digital Innovation Hubs will increase.

Built on Hyperledger Indy SDK, SSI Türkiye embraces open-source principles—enhancing transparency and supporting the developer community.

Roadmap and the Future

SSI Türkiye v2.0 is under development, incorporating data-economy and governance capabilities. E-Government integration of digital identity will begin in 2026, with pilot programs preceding full nationwide adoption.

Extensive training programs are planned. With the user-friendly interface of the e-Wallet, even non-technical users will easily navigate the system.

Toward Digital Sovereignty

Türkiye’s blockchain-based digital identity infrastructure represents more than technological innovation—it is a strategic step toward digital sovereignty. SSI Türkiye, developed domestically by TÜBİTAK BİLGEM, reduces dependence on external digital infrastructure.

The comprehensive transformation of e-Government will make access to public services simpler and more secure while maximizing privacy. The integrated electronic notification system, unified payment infrastructure, and blockchain-based authentication will position Türkiye as a regional leader in digital transformation.

Integrated with artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and 5G, the system will offer conveniences we can hardly imagine today. The digital identity revolution is not just technological, it is societal. Its success depends as much on public trust as on technical infrastructure. With TÜBİTAK BİLGEM’s leadership, Türkiye is moving toward a secure, efficient, and future-ready digital state.