Economy

Access blocked to websites offering fake online shopping reviews

E-commerce accounts for a significant share of total trade.

E-commerce accounts for a significant share of total trade. The Ministry of Trade has taken action against businesses that mislead consumers with fake reviews and ratings in e-commerce. It has blocked access to websites featuring fake reviews and ratings. (Report: Evra Balkı) Steps are now being taken to stop fake product ratings and reviews in online shopping. Finding these practices deceptive and contrary to regulations, the board blocked access to numerous web addresses offering artificial engagement. An amendment that took effect on 1 August 2026 introduced the Ministry of Trade’s requirement that only consumers who purchased a product or service may review it in e-commerce. Under the regulations, both positive and negative reviews must be published without discrimination and remain accessible for at least one year. Reviews are also expected to undergo the necessary checks before publication. Sellers and platforms must not filter out unfavourable reviews solely because they are negative. The new regulation took effect on 1 August 2026. Consumer reviews may not be ordered in a way intended to steer users in a particular direction. Reviews must be sorted using objective criteria such as the date, rating, seller or service provider.