Advertising Board imposes 27.4 million lira fine on deceptive ads in November

The Advertising Board decided to impose a 27.4 million lira fine in its November reviews regarding discount sales advertisements presented to consumers.

In a statement from the Ministry of Trade, it was reported that during the Board's December meeting, it reviewed advertisements and unfair commercial practices that deceive or mislead consumers, or exploit their lack of experience and knowledge, causing grievances.

Pointing out that 196 out of 213 files related to November were found to be in violation of regulations, the statement said, "It was decided to impose a suspension penalty along with 54.3 million lira in administrative fines for the advertisements and commercial practices in question. The Board also decided to block access to websites where violations were detected in 35 files."

The statement noted that opinions and evaluations were provided for 1,917 files this year, adding, "In this context, it was decided to impose a publication suspension penalty as well as 277.6 million lira in administrative fines for 1,705 files determined to be deceptive advertisements or unfair commercial practices."

REVIEW OF NOVEMBER CAMPAIGNS

Noting that reviews regarding discount sales advertisements presented to consumers under various names such as "Black Friday," "Legendary November," and "Wonderful Friday" were also on the Board's agenda in November, the statement reported that 64 files were processed either ex officio or upon complaints.

The statement reported that as a result of the evaluation, 57 files were found to be in violation of regulations and it was decided to impose a 27.4 million lira fine, adding, "Thus, a total of 41.3 million lira in administrative fines has been imposed in 2024 on advertisements determined to be in violation of regulations regarding discount sales campaigns."

Stating that the goal is to prevent the manipulation of consumer shopping preferences by creating a perception of "fake discounts," the statement included the following evaluations:

"Furthermore, it is aimed to prevent waste caused by the use of our country's economic resources in unnecessary and inefficient areas—resulting from the inability to correctly analyze needs due to marketing practices that pressure consumer will, such as creating the perception that a higher discount is being offered than is actually the case or that the discounted price is valid for a short time—and to prevent the harm that unfair competition may cause to consumers and other firms by establishing a stable economy and fair market conditions in competition."

6 MILLION LIRA FINE FOR ILLEGAL BETTING ADS

The statement also mentioned that decisions were made against illegal betting advertisements, noting the following:

"In accordance with the provisions of the legislation for the protection of consumers, it was decided to impose a 6 million lira fine and suspension penalties for promotions identified as advertising illegal betting sites. The Advertising Board, operating under the Ministry of Trade, continues its reviews regarding deceptive advertisements and unfair commercial practices encountered in various sectors."

News Source: 12punto