Competition Authority launches investigation into three major e-commerce companies

The Competition Authority has launched an investigation into Trendyol (DSM Grup Danışmanlık İletişim ve Satış Ticaret AŞ), Hepsiburada (D-Market Elektronik Hizmetler ve Ticaret AŞ), and Amazon Turkey.

In a statement issued by the Competition Board, it was stated that "the preliminary investigation conducted into D-Market Elektronik Hizmetler ve Ticaret AŞ to determine whether the Law No. 4054 on the Protection of Competition has been violated has been concluded by the Competition Board.

The Competition Board, having discussed the information, documents, and findings obtained during the preliminary investigation at its meeting on 19.10.2023, found the evidence to be serious and sufficient, and decided to open an investigation, numbered 23-49/940-M, into D-Market Elektronik Hizmetler ve Ticaret AŞ, DSM Grup Danışmanlık İletişim ve Satış Ticaret AŞ, and Amazon Turkey Perakende Hizmetleri Limited Şirketi, which implement automated pricing mechanisms."

TRENDYOL WAS FINED 61 MILLION

In recent months, Trendyol had come to the fore due to the publication of manipulative news against the e-commerce law in Cumhuriyet newspaper in exchange for off-the-books payments, efforts against the e-commerce law, and the 61 million lira fine imposed by the Competition Authority.

In the statement on the Competition Authority's website, it was stated that as a result of the Board's discussion of the file, it was decided to impose an administrative fine of 61 million 342 thousand 847 lira on Trendyol on the grounds that it interfered with the algorithm and used the data of third-party sellers on its marketplace to provide an unfair advantage to its own retail operations, and that these actions were of a nature to hinder the activities of its competitors and constituted a violation. The decision was made unanimously, with the right to appeal to the Ankara Administrative Courts within 60 days of the notification of the reasoned decision."

OFF-THE-BOOKS MONEY SCANDAL RECEIVED WIDE MEDIA COVERAGE

Representatives and legal counsel for GTC Communication, the company that handles corporate communications and consulting for Trendyol, avoided making statements regarding the reports in the media about "manipulative news in exchange for money" and left journalists' persistent questions unanswered.

However, Alev Coşkun, President of the Cumhuriyet Foundation, admitted in a statement to Cumhuriyet newspaper columnist Ahmet Yavuz that the money had been received and said it had been returned. This statement by Alev Coşkun received wide coverage in the media.

It is unknown under what conditions the money was returned or to whom. The Trendyol side responded to the question "Did you get the money back, who received it?" by saying, "Shouldn't this question be directed to Alev Coşkun?"

The process of publishing manipulative news in exchange for money received from Trendyol has been taken to the judiciary, the Press Council, and the General Directorate of Foundations. The investigation is continuing and deepening, particularly by the General Directorate of Foundations.

Although information was shared from the Cumhuriyet side that the judiciary had made a favorable decision regarding the suspects, it is known that the judicial process is ongoing.

News Source: 12punto