Fines rain down on companies for deceptive advertising

The Advertising Board imposed 24 million 16 thousand 573 Turkish Lira in fines on businesses during this month's meeting due to deceptive advertising or unfair commercial practices.

In a statement from the Ministry of Trade, it was reported that the Board examined advertisements and unfair commercial practices that deceive or mislead consumers and exploit their lack of experience and knowledge.

The statement noted that out of 185 files reviewed during the February meeting, 157 were found to be in violation of regulations. It was stated that a decision was made to impose a suspension penalty and 24 million 16 thousand 573 Turkish Lira in administrative fines regarding the advertisements and commercial practices in question.

The statement also pointed out that the Board reviewed 345 files in the first two months of this year, and for 296 files identified as containing deceptive advertising or unfair commercial practices that deceive or mislead consumers and exploit their lack of experience and knowledge, it was decided to impose suspension penalties as well as 47 million 900 thousand 904 Turkish Lira in administrative fines.

HEALTH SERVICE ADVERTISEMENTS EXAMINED

The statement highlighted that the Board meticulously monitors and examines advertisements for products containing health claims intended for direct consumer use, such as food and cosmetic products—particularly dietary supplements—as well as advertisements for health services, especially as seasonal changes bring periodic advertisements regarding consumer health to the forefront.

The statement indicated that sanctions were applied to advertisements found to be in violation of regulations that mislead consumers about human health benefits or are of a nature that disrupts public health, reporting that 9 million 126 thousand 735 Turkish Lira in administrative fines were imposed for 47 non-compliant files.

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT ADVERTISEMENTS UNDER THE LENS

The statement mentioned that the "2023 Dietary Supplement Advertising Report" prepared by the Ministry presents detailed examinations of legislation and advertising examples regarding dietary supplement advertisements, as well as a comprehensive sector analysis, and included the following remarks:

"It has been observed that the social anxiety caused by the pandemic process and the accompanying rapid digitalization have created an information asymmetry to the detriment of consumers regarding products offered for sale with health claims, especially dietary supplements. In this context, considering the widespread use of social media and the negative effects of promotions by social media influencers, the aforementioned report has been shared with the public both to increase our consumers' awareness regarding dietary supplement advertisements and to provide guidance to sector actors."

News Source: AA