Advertising Bans On Social Network Providers In Turkey

The law amending the Law No. 5651 on the Regulation of Internet Broadcasts and Prevention of Crimes Committed through Such Broadcasts ("Internet Law") known as Social Media Law in Turkey and the implementing regulation introduced new provisions and obligations regarding social network providers and their obligations in the second half of 2020.

As per the cited amendments "Social Network Provider" was legally defined as real or legal persons that enable users to create, view or share content such as text, image, sound, location on the internet for social interaction. Social network providers, which are based abroad and have more than 1 million daily access to their services from Turkey were put under obligation of designating at least one representative in Turkey and a detailed, multiple stage sanction system including advertising ban was set forth for non-compliance. As the first step administrative monetary fine of TRL 10.000.000 (approximately Euro 1.250.000) is