Meta owns WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook; that it conducts marketing activities by combining these 3 applications it has with the data it collects from users in Turkey. complicates the activities of its competitors He was therefore fined TL 346.7 million.

The investigation launched by the Competition Authority on January 11, 2021 was prompted by the indignation about Meta’s WhatsApp data policy in Turkey and the rest of the world. According to this data policy, user data collected through WhatsApp may be used for marketing activities. As part of the investigation, Meta officials gave oral testimony on October 11, 2022.

Meta: We do not agree with the findings of the Competition Authority

When the fine in question was announced, Meta made a statement on the subject. In that statement, “We do not agree with the findings of the Competition Authority. We protect the privacy of our users and We offer the right to control and transparency over their data. We will consider all our options in this regard.” expressions were used.

Meta said in January 2022: ‘If there is pressure, we withdraw the rep’: So what does that mean?

About 2 years before the Social Media Act, which came into effect in October 2022; A 9-point regulation defining global social media companies as ‘social network providers’ came into effect and controls over companies were tightened. Under this arrangement, companies were required to have a representative in Turkey and all companies operating in Turkey were appointed within one year.

Here’s the warning Meta officials made last January from the podium of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey that “if the pressure builds, we will pull out” is based on this ordinance from 2 years ago. Failure to meet the legal problems in Turkey with the regulation; ie fines and ad blocking fines for companies that do not appoint agents or do not meet the requirements under the Social Media Act. Bandwidth limitation up to 90%ie speeding fines may be given.

After Meta’s statement, the investigation resulted in a fine; Before the ad blocking and bandwidth throttling penalties that are on the horizon due to the new law, companies showing that he can withdraw from Turkey a threat. Global companies such as Meta provide channels that are the backbone of the entrepreneurship, advertising and communication sectors in Turkey. In the event of withdrawal, many industries, not just users, are expected to incur losses in amounts that are currently difficult to calculate.

The decision of the Competition Authority can be found here.