The Use of Blockchain Technology in Corporations and Its Legal Implications
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Abstract
This study comprehensively examines the areas of application of blockchain technology within corporations, the structural and functional transformations brought about by this technology, and the legal consequences it engenders, particularly from the perspective of Turkish law. The fundamental characteristics of blockchain—decentralization, immutability, transparency, and security—open the door to new governance models in corporate law. In this context, the functionality of blockchain applications in areas such as general assembly meetings, stock transactions, and corporate control mechanisms in joint-stock companies is addressed, and the impact of digital transformation on capital markets and shareholding structures is evaluated. In the following sections of the study, the compatibility of blockchain technology with the existing legal infrastructure within the framework of the Turkish Commercial Code is discussed, and comparative analyses from European and international legal perspectives are provided. Furthermore, the legal challenges of blockchain applications, such as the protection of personal data, the legal validity of smart contracts, jurisdiction issues, and cross-border data flows, are addressed in detail, and solutions to these problems are proposed. In conclusion, blockchain applications in joint-stock companies have the potential for comprehensive transformation not only at the technical level but also at the normative level. In this context, the need for innovative and comprehensive regulation has been highlighted from both private and public law perspectives.
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