Sending unauthorized messages receives the first fine from the Turkish Ministry

Turkey's Customs and Trade Ministry has issued the first fine for unauthorized mass messages sent by companies to arbitrary phone numbers. A company which sells energy saving products has been subjected to a fine of 25, 000 TL for sending such messages.

In accordance with the new consumer law, which forbids companies' from sending mass messages without the approval of the user, the Customs and Trade Ministry has issued a fine to a company which promotes its products via sending unauthorized mass messages. The message which reads 'The expense of the file will be paid back to you, call for application' has cost the company 25, 000 TL.

The fine for the offence was determined as being between 1,000 TL to 50,000 TL in line with the new law.

Minister Nurettin Canikli had previously warned the companies that the officials are tracing the unauthorized messages sent to the consumer via Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter and said they would have to pay a fine for the act.

"Our Inspectors are working diligently over the issue. The companies should receive a written approval from the consumer to send such texts. If the consumer does not want the message we will issue a fine up to 50, 000 TL". Canikli had said earlier.