Advertising Self-Regulatory Board (RÖK)

The Advertising Self-Regulatory Board (Reklam Öz Denetim Kurulu, RÖK) is the advertising industry’s self-regulatory body, established with the participation of advertisers, advertising agencies and media organisations. It assesses advertising under the Advertising Practice Principles, based on the International Chamber of Commerce’s principles on advertising and marketing communications.

How Does It Work?

Consumers, competitors or organisations who believe an ad breaches the Advertising Practice Principles may apply to RÖK. The advertiser is given an opportunity to defend itself, and the Board may decide that the ad must be amended or withdrawn. The process usually concludes more quickly than Advertising Board proceedings.

How It Differs from the Advertising Board

• Nature: The Advertising Board is a public authority within the Ministry of Trade; RÖK is an industry self-regulatory body.
• Basis: The Advertising Board decides under Law No. 6502 and the Regulation; RÖK under the Advertising Practice Principles.
• Sanctions: The Advertising Board orders suspension, correction and administrative fines; RÖK decides that the ad must be amended or withdrawn.
• Speed: RÖK proceedings usually conclude more quickly.

RÖK does not impose administrative fines. Its decisions are not enforceable like a public authority’s decision; however, member media organisations comply with decisions not to publish ads found non-compliant, which makes the decisions effective in practice.

When to Choose It

In advertising disputes between competitors, for example over a comparative ad or a superiority claim, RÖK stands out where a quick result matters. Where the aim is a sanction against the competitor or a decision by a public authority, the Advertising Board is the route. The two routes are independent and may be used together.