The amendments to the Regulation on Commercial Advertisements and Unfair Commercial Practices was published in the Official Gazette on 01.02.2022. The amendments made by the Ministry of Trade to the Regulation on Commercial Advertisiements and Unfair Commercial Practices will enter into force on 01 March 2022.
With the changes made;
- In the event that a price is offered to the consumer by analyzing the purchasing behavior and other personal data of the consumer (“personalized price”), the current selling price of the product and the personalized price will be given by the seller or supplier at the same time.
- The sale price of a good or service pror to discount will be determined on the basis of the lowest price within thirty days prior to the discount. For perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables, the previous price will be taken as the basis.
- In advertisements where the goods and services offered for sale with a tied credit, the term of the loan, the interest rate, the monthly and annual percentage value of the total cost to the consumer, and the repayment conditions must be shown in the area where the advertisement is published or on a website where consumers can be directed to get detailed information with a link or warning sign.
- In case of ranking by comparing price, quality and similar aspects of a good or service offered for sale on the Internet, information on which criterias the ranking was based on will be displayed in the same area or consumers will be directed to pop-up screens where they can get detailed information. It is also obligatory to include the phrase “advertisement” in the ranking results displayed based on advertisement or sponsorship and similar agreements.
- Consumer Reviews and Complaint Platforms: Only consumers who purchase the relevant good or service can review the sellers or providers on complaint platforms. Regardless of being positive or negative, consumer reviews will be published according to an objective criterion for at least one year. Agreements with a real or legal person regarding the use of incorrect reviews or expressions confirming the good or service cannot be made. Sellers or service will be given at least seventy-two hours to exercise their right to make a statement or reply prior the publication of the review on the complaint platforms.
- It is prohibited to sell the event tickets (sports, theather etc.) at higher prices by purchasing outside the specified limits through a software that automates the purchasing process.
- It is prohibited to use methods such as guiding interface designs, options or expressions, that negatively affect the will of consumers to make a decision or make a choice, or that aim to cause changes in their decision in favor of the seller or the service provider.