Regulation regarding the prevention of unwanted text messages and emails was published in the Official Gazette on Wednesday. From now on, citizens will be able to file a complaint about spam messages via e-Devlet or the Customs and Trade Ministry's website. These unwanted spam messages are usually sent by firms to advertise and promote products. The regulation introduced by the ministry concerns all commercial communications including the direct and indirect promotion and marketing of products and services of natural and corporate entities.
Public entities such as public authorities and municipalities will not be obliged to gain permission for sending informative electronic messages to citizens. Firms are allowed to send commercial messages to their electronic subscribers and customers, and foundations can also send informative electronic messages to their members. Moreover, media outlets such as radio and TV channels will be allowed to inform people about the broadcasts that concern the public.
In order to promote or advertise their products and services, firms will be required to first obtain permission, which will be valid until a citizen exercises his or her right to terminate the messages. Electronic messages that are sent as reminders or notices of debts, payment collections or information updates about similar topics will not be subjected to permission.
The firms will be allowed to use the electronic messaging permits for their own products and services as well as the ones that are offered as promotions to customers. However, these promotions should be contractual, which the recipient citizens will be able to easily terminate. Not responding to a notice seeking permission will be accepted as a confirmation.
Apart from online complaints, citizens will be able to file a complaint about commercial messages to the ministry's provincial directorates. The complaints should be made within three month from the time the citizens receive the unwanted messages.
