Digital copyright law to enhance online safety

The new Digital Copyright Law aims to provide consumers with safer and higher-quality services at lower prices while also protecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) against larger competitors.

The Competition Authority has disclosed details of the Digital Copyright Law as part of their ongoing “Digital Platforms” regulatory work. According to the draft text, amendments will be made to the Law on the Protection of Competition to adapt the legislation for digital platforms.

During a presentation to the Parliamentary Digital Media Commission, Selcuk Yilmaz, Deputy Head of the First Audit and Enforcement Department of the Competition Authority, said:

“Online intermediary services, search engines, social network services, video/audio sharing and broadcasting services, number-independent interpersonal communication services, operating systems, cloud computing services, internet browsers, virtual assistants, and online advertising services will be re-regulated.”

Google will not be allowed

Yilmaz noted that the proposal aims to create a safer and more affordable internet environment for users.

“Legal boundaries will be set for commercial uses, and administrative fines will be imposed on those who fail to meet their obligations. Platforms such as Google, YouTube, Facebook, and X will be subject to obligations regarding favoritism, functionality, and access. For instance, Google will not be allowed to prioritize its products (such as Shopping and Google Flight) in search results,” he added.