BTK puts the brakes on spam calls and SMS: Heavy penalties for violators

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) announced that new measures have been implemented against spam calls and text messages that disturb citizens.

NEW STEP TAKEN AFTER COMPLAINTS

Stating that the BTK has received a high volume of complaints regarding spam calls and SMS recently, Uraloğlu noted that a comprehensive assessment was conducted following these reports. He emphasized that new decisions have been made to prevent the use of electronic communication services in ways that violate national security and public order.

RESTRICTIONS ON CALLS AND MESSAGES TO NON-SUBSCRIBERS

Uraloğlu stated that the goal is to block content that causes fear and panic among citizens or is intended for fraud and deception. Noting that messages and calls related to betting and gambling are also being evaluated within this scope, Uraloğlu said, "Operators authorized by the BTK and those acting on behalf of operators, such as agencies/dealers, will only be able to call their own subscribers for purposes such as marketing, promotion, and information regarding electronic communication services. Individuals other than their own subscribers cannot be called by phone, and SMS/MMS cannot be sent to them."

HEAVY SANCTIONS WILL BE APPLIED FOR VIOLATIONS

Reminding that administrative sanctions are triggered when calls and messages containing misleading or false information are detected, Uraloğlu stated that more severe measures will be applied if the violation continues. In this context, it was stated that call carriage and termination services provided to operators could be restricted or completely halted.

NUMBER AND IDENTITY VERIFICATION SYSTEM IS CHANGING

Noting that the reallocation of unused numbers will be canceled for operators providing fixed-line telephone services, Uraloğlu also touched upon technical regulations. Stating that the change made to the "Procedures and Principles Regarding the Use of Calling Line Identification" will prevent sender identities from consisting solely of numbers, Uraloğlu said that this will block messages sent especially through 850-series and geographic-coded numbers.

He also added that the use of a secure electronic signature by authorized persons will be made mandatory for sending messages.

FILTER FOR MESSAGES ORIGINATING FROM ABROAD

Stating that if SMS and MMS sent from abroad to subscribers in Turkey contain an internet link (URL), these contents will be directly blocked, Uraloğlu expressed that operators providing messaging services will be required to receive subscription applications via Registered Electronic Mail (KEP). This regulation aims to prevent unregistered and fraudulent applications.

News Source: 12punto