Exceeding 249 million liras in 9 months for deceptive ads

The Ministry of Commerce continues its inspections against deceptive advertisements and unfair commercial practices in order to protect the health, safety and economic interests of consumers.

According to the statement made by the Ministry, 161 files were decided at the Advertising Board's meeting numbered 374 held on October 8. While a suspension penalty was imposed on 136 files that were found to violate the legislative provisions regarding the protection of consumers, it was decided to impose a total administrative fine of 17 million 176 thousand 744 liras.

As a result of the evaluation of more than 33 thousand applications in the first 9 months of the year and the investigations initiated ex officio by the Ministry, the total administrative fine imposed due to deceptive advertising and commercial practices exceeded 249 million lira.

With the new regulations made in the Commercial Advertisement and Unfair Commercial Practices Regulation and entered into force as of August 1; Consumer protection rules have been introduced in many areas, especially targeted advertising, advertisements created with artificial intelligence, promotions of social media influencers and discounted sales.

In the last meeting of the board, false discount sales advertisements were one of the prominent topics. In the reviews; It was determined that discount promises as high as 75 percent and unrealistic were made in the campaigns, the lowest price applied in the last 10 days before the discount (the crossed-out price) was not taken as basis, and the obligations regarding easily accessible loyalty card programs were not fulfilled. Administrative sanctions were imposed on these advertisements that were found to be contrary to the legislation.

The Advertising Board, which closely monitors the promotional activities of social media influencers, found that the 32 social media accounts it examined ex officio did not use phrases indicating that the posts were advertisements or collaborations. A suspension penalty was imposed on the advertisements in question that did not meet the requirements of the regulation.

In addition, advertisements published in the jewelery and jewelery industry with promises of high fake discounts were also examined. A suspension decision was imposed on 9 companies that were determined to have violated the discount sales legislation.

In the statement, it was emphasized that inspections and sanctions will be continued with determination in order to protect the rights of consumers, prevent misleading advertisements and establish a fair competition environment in the markets.

Source: TRT Haber Ekonomi RSS (Open Press / Translated Full Text)