Turkey Blocks 15 Social Media Accounts for Illegal Betting Ads, Fines Deceptive Advertisers

Turkey's Ministry of Commerce has taken decisive action against misleading advertising and unfair commercial practices, announcing substantial administrative fines and access restrictions. In the first four months of the year, the Advertising Board levied fines amounting to nearly 50 million Turkish Lira across 117 cases where deceptive advertising or unfair commercial practices were identified. This robust enforcement demonstrates the government's commitment to safeguarding consumer interests within the marketplace.

“

The Advertising Board decided to impose administrative fines totaling 49,874,780 Turkish Lira in 117 separate cases where deceptive advertising or unfair commercial practices were determined.

A significant aspect of the recent crackdown involves the digital sphere. The Board has ordered access to be blocked for 15 social media accounts that were actively promoting illegal betting and gambling activities. These accounts were found to be directing users towards illicit websites, posing a risk to public order and financial security. This move highlights the ministry's vigilance in monitoring online platforms and taking swift action against those who exploit them for illegal purposes.

“

A precautionary suspension decision was also made regarding one file to prevent the use of superiority statements in advertisements in a way that deceives and misleads consumers.

Furthermore, the ministry addressed fraudulent schemes involving modem sales, where individuals posing as representatives of internet service providers deceived consumers into purchasing unnecessary or faulty modems at inflated prices. Investigations revealed that many consumers either never received the products or found them to be substandard, with refund requests often ignored. The ministry has imposed administrative fines on the firms involved, recognizing these actions as persistent unfair commercial practices. The Ministry of Commerce assures the public that its oversight and enforcement activities will continue unabated to ensure a fair and transparent market for all.

“

Following investigations based on complaints received by the Ministry, it was determined that some individuals and firms, posing as call centers for internet service providers, made false statements to consumers such as 'your modem is faulty' or 'your modem is insufficient,' and sold modems at high prices.