In Turkey, advertising practices are regulated under a comprehensive framework that seeks to ensure truthfulness, protect consumer interests, and maintain public order and morals. Here are the key aspects of advertising regulation in Turkey:
Primary Regulations: The advertising landscape in Turkey is governed by the Law on the Protection of the Consumer No. 6502, which sets out general principles, and the Regulation on Commercial Advertisements and Unfair Practices No. 29232, which provides specific guidelines. Additionally, the Turkish Broadcasting Law No. 6112 oversees advertisements broadcast on TV, radio, and on-demand services.
Advertisement Content: Advertisements must comply with public morals and order. This includes avoiding content that could be considered as inciting fear, anxiety, or that impedes societal morals and ethics. Specific regulations apply to medicinal, alcoholic, and tobacco products due to their nature and impact on public health.
Enforcement: The Advertisement Board is the key monitoring authority ensuring compliance with these regulations. It has the power to issue guidelines, which serve as a practical roadmap for implementing legislative rules. Violations can lead to penalties including fines and mandatory corrections of the offending advertisements.
Specifically Regulated Practices: Certain types of advertising, such as direct selling and teleshopping, are subject to specific rules under the implementing guidelines. These practices must comply with additional criteria to ensure clarity and fairness.
Cultural and Social Sensitivities: Turkish advertising regulations also reflect cultural sensitivities, such as prohibitions on using national symbols like the Turkish flag in advertising, or the depiction of behaviors or symbols that could offend religious or moral sensibilities in Turkey.
Overall, while the framework is robust, companies operating in Turkey must navigate a complex set of laws and regulations that are tightly intertwined with national cultural values and norms.
