Millions in fines for e-commerce giants selling weapons and knives

The Ministry of Trade continues to take an uncompromising approach to the sale of products that threaten security in virtual marketplaces. As a result of increased inspections in recent months, the sale of firearms and prohibited knives, which are easily accessible online, has come under scrutiny. During the investigations, seven e-commerce platforms were identified as selling these items in violation of the law, and heavy administrative penalties were imposed on them.

In a written response to a parliamentary question, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat stated that controls on online marketplaces are being maintained with diligence. Minister Bolat noted, "Electronic commerce intermediary service providers are obligated to remove illegal content from publication as soon as they become aware of it. In this context, a suspension order was issued for 7 e-commerce platforms, and a total of 7 million 586 thousand TL in administrative fines was imposed."

In statements made by the Ministry, it was emphasized that preventing children and young people from accessing illegal products is a priority. It was reminded that during inspections, platforms bear legal responsibility if prohibited products are not removed from sale despite being reported.

According to detailed information regarding the penalties, if each prohibited product listing remains active, an administrative sanction ranging from 28 thousand TL to 286 thousand TL is applied per listing. Furthermore, the information of individuals and businesses selling such products despite the bans is shared with relevant public institutions, and legal proceedings are initiated if necessary.

Ministry officials sent a message that controls will continue uninterrupted to prevent the illegal sale of weapons and knives in the electronic commerce environment.

News Source: 12punto