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Türkiye’s Competition Authority has fined Google ₺355.1 million ($8.86 million) for violating its obligations related to local search services by launching a new format called “business advertisements.”
In a statement published on its website, the regulator said the fine was imposed because Google failed to comply with commitments aimed at ensuring fair competition and protecting consumer welfare.
The new design, labeled “business advertisements,” was found to be functionally similar to previously sanctioned formats, which the authority ruled in 2021 had unfairly prioritized Google’s own local search and accommodation comparison services over those of competitors.
That 2021 ruling led to an initial penalty of ₺296 million and required Google to present redesigned interfaces that offered equal visibility to rival services.
“Google failed to comply with these obligations,” the authority stated. “As a result, a daily administrative fine of 0.05% of its 2024 gross revenue was applied, amounting to a total of ₺355.14 million.”
While Google later withdrew the disputed design, the fine was calculated based on the duration the design remained active in the market.
The authority emphasized that it continues to monitor Google’s compliance as part of its ongoing oversight process stemming from the 2021 decision.
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