Ministry of Trade Announcement on Regulations Against Fake Online Product Reviews

Ministry of Trade Press Advisor Bekir Kaplan made statements regarding the new era against fake product reviews online, emphasizing that citizens are not allowed to be misled.

Fight Against Fake Reviews

Ministry Press Advisor Bekir Kaplan announced that fake product evaluations made in the internet environment and the misleading of citizens through this method are strictly not permitted.

Role in Purchasing Decisions

It was stated that consumer evaluations made for a good or service in the internet environment play a very important role in shaping individuals' purchasing decisions.

Principles of Regulation and Guidelines

It was conveyed that the basic procedures and principles regarding the publication of consumer reviews are regulated in Article 28/B of the Regulation on Commercial Advertising and Unfair Commercial Practices.

Additionally, it was noted that the Guidelines on Consumer Evaluations were adopted as a principle decision at the meeting of the Advertising Board dated September 12, 2023, and numbered 337.

Permission Only for Buyers

According to the regulations within the scope of the regulation, consumer evaluations are allowed to be made only by persons who actually purchased the relevant good or service.

Objective and Impartial Publication

It was recorded that the evaluations made are published without making a positive or negative distinction after passing the necessary examinations and remain published for at least a certain period.

Official Gazette Regulations

It was reminded that the regulation amendment published in the Official Gazette dated July 1, 2026, and numbered 33297 entered into force on August 1, 2026.

Legal Sanctions and Inspections

It was reported that administrative sanctions are applied pursuant to Law No. 6502 to sellers and providers who act contrary to the procedures and principles specified in the legislation.