Turkiye: Information and Communication Technologies Authority's regulation on social network providers including creation of an advertisement library

On 1 April 2023, the Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK)'s decision titled "Procedures and Principles about Social Network Providers," entered into force. This decision, issued under Additional Article 4 of Law No. 5651 on the Regulation of Broadcasts via the Internet and the Prevention of Crimes Committed through Such Broadcasts (Internet Law), replaces BTK’s 2 October 2020 decision that initially set out obligations for social network providers. The updated regulation introduces a mandatory advertisement library, requiring providers with more than one million daily users from Turkey to maintain a publicly accessible repository of advertisements displayed on their platform. The advertisement library must include details about ad content, advertiser identity, publication period, target audience parameters, and reach metrics, enhancing transparency in digital advertising. This measure aims to prevent deceptive advertising practices, improve accountability for political ads, and increase oversight of influencer marketing and algorithmic ad targeting. Providers that fail to establish or maintain an accurate advertisement library may face administrative fines, restrictions on advertising activities, or further regulatory actions by BTK.