Turkey Fines Misleading Ads for Hair Growth, Visa Guarantees; Halts Religious Content Promotions

Turkey's Advertising Board has intensified its crackdown on deceptive advertising and commercial practices, issuing fines and suspension orders for numerous misleading advertisements. In its latest meeting, the board reviewed 149 cases, deeming 118 of them non-compliant with regulations.

This action is part of a broader effort in 2026, during which the board has resolved over 21,000 cases related to misleading ads and unfair commercial practices, imposing fines exceeding 185 million Turkish Lira. The recent decisions include halting 74 advertisements and imposing fines alongside suspension for 44 others. Access was also blocked for three cases.

Specifically, advertisements for a hair spray product making unsubstantiated claims like "2000 New Hair Follicles Every 10 Days" and "Activates Hair Production" faced severe penalties. The company was fined at the maximum rate for failing to scientifically prove its claims and continuing despite warnings.

Furthermore, the board halted advertisements from six visa consultancy firms that used phrases such as "Visa appointment guarantee," "Visa guarantee," and "100% approval guarantee." Five of these firms were found to be engaging in misleading advertising.

In a separate action, the board initiated an investigation into social media promotions using "Scents of Kaaba and Rawdah." Citing the exploitation of religious sentiments, the board has temporarily suspended these advertisements for up to three months pending a final decision after the investigation concludes. The Ministry of Trade reiterated its commitment to resolutely continue oversight and investigation activities against all forms of commercial advertising and unfair practices that deceive consumers.