Social media networks, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Periscope, Youtube and TikTok, have been handed TL 10 million ($1.18 million) fine each for failing to appoint a representative to Turkey as required by the new law, a senior Turkish official announced Wednesday.
Transport and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Ömer Fatih Sayan made the announcement after the platforms failed to name a local representative by the Nov. 2 deadline.
The companies were notified of the five-stage penalties that social network providers avoiding having a representative in Turkey will be given with the amendment of the law, which came into force on Oct. 1, Sayan said on Twitter.
The companies were given time to complete the deficiencies, the deputy minister said.
Accordingly, in case they fail to meet the obligations within 30 days of the notification of the first fine, the firms will be fined another TL 30 million.
In case they again do not comply, Turkish firms will be banned from advertising with them.
If they fail to fulfill the obligations within three months after the advertising ban, the companies will have their internet bandwidth slashed by 50%.
