The Advertising Board imposed a total of 30.2 million lira in fines for advertisements found to deceive consumers. Among the ads penalized were those containing unverified sources of comments and dark designs. The Advertising Board decided to impose administrative fines totaling 30.2 million lira for advertisements found to violate regulations. According to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce, of the 205 files adjudicated in the Board’s meeting on February 14, 183 were found to be in violation of regulations, with a precautionary suspension decision issued for one file. In addition to suspension penalties in these 183 files, a total of 30.2 million lira in administrative fines were imposed. Moreover, access restrictions were introduced for 37 of these files to prevent consumer grievances. The meeting discussed advertising and commercial practices affecting consumers’ economic preferences and interests, consumer comments influencing economic behavior, website designs, and financial ads.

EXAMINING UNVERIFIED SOURCE COMMENTS
The Board aimed to prevent the inclusion of false, deceptive, or unverifiable comments on websites through the manipulation of comments and ratings. It was reported that commercial practices were established to ensure that comments and ratings were made by consumers who purchased the goods or services.

PENALTY FOR GOOGLE COMMENTS
In an investigation taken up by the Advertising Board, it was determined that comments and ratings placed under “Facility Comments” were published based on comments obtained through Google systems without verifying that they were made by those who purchased the goods or services. The publication of these advertisements was considered an unfair commercial practice, and in addition to a suspension penalty, an administrative fine was issued.

SCRUTINY OF DARK COMMERCIAL DESIGNS
As a result of inspections initiated by the Advertising Board, companies deceiving consumers through dark commercial designs were subject to administrative sanctions.

ADVERTISEMENTS RELATED TO FINANCIAL SERVICES
It was found that in financial service ads, consumers were not informed about the exceptions to the main promise. Additionally, it was noted that some ads, while part of a general campaign, created an impression of being ‘exclusive’ to non-customer consumers. Penalties of suspension and administrative fines were imposed on these advertisements.