Turkey is set to impose new regulations on global tech giants and local digital platforms, bringing companies like Google, Apple, Meta, Amazon, Trendyol, Sahibinden, and Yemeksepeti under stricter oversight. The Competition Board will now have the authority to monitor algorithms, enforce compliance, and issue hefty fines for violations.
Fines Up to 20% of Annual Turnover for Repeated Violations
Under the proposed law, non-compliant companies could face fines of up to 10% of their annual turnover. If a company fails to comply with the rules at least twice within five years, this penalty could increase to 20%.
The Competition Board will have the power to scrutinize the algorithms and business practices of major technology firms to prevent unfair advantages in search engines, app stores, and marketplaces.
Key Provisions: Ensuring Fair Digital Competition
- Restrictions on Self-Preferencing:
- Large platforms will be prohibited from favoring their own services over competitors in search results, app stores, or marketplaces.
- User Control & Data Protection:
- Closed ecosystems, such as Apple’s iOS, must allow third-party app installations.
- Companies can only process user data with explicit consent, and using this data for their own commercial advantage will be restricted.
- Businesses using digital platforms will be granted free and instant access to data generated through these services.
- Transparency in Advertising & Pricing:
- Companies must provide clear information to businesses and advertisers regarding pricing, performance, and service conditions.
- Advertisers will be given full access to advertising costs, payment terms, and campaign performance data.
- User Choice & Accessibility:
- Users must be able to easily switch between apps and services without unnecessary restrictions.
- Services on digital platforms should be accessible without requiring additional registrations for unrelated services.
Alignment with the EU’s Digital Markets Act
The proposed law is modeled after the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which was designed to promote transparency and competition among large tech firms. Turkish officials emphasized that the new regulation aims to create a more balanced digital market by curbing monopolistic practices and ensuring fair competition.
With the legislation expected to be submitted to Parliament in the coming days, Turkey is taking a firm stance on regulating digital markets, ensuring that consumers, businesses, and advertisers operate in a more competitive and transparent ecosystem.