Türkiye uses artificial intelligence to collect tax of astrologers

The Turkish treasury and financial ministry use artificial intelligence techniques to detect the money earned by astrologers and readers as part of an extensive campaign aimed at combating the informal economy and increasing tax revenue. The ministry has drawn its attention to the rapid growth of electronic services in the field of astrology, spirituality, signs and towers, magic, meditation and numbers, which are practiced many of its activities without clear organizational regulations. According to the official agency “Anatolia”, artificial intelligence techniques were used to detect digital fingerprints on various platforms, including social networks and electronic payment systems. The challenges of the informal economy in Türkiye This step comes as part of the expanded strategy of Finance Minister Muhammad Shimashk, which seeks to improve financial discipline and reduce the parallel economy in the country, which is a constant challenge for the Turkish state. Although previous efforts to achieve government spending limited results, Shimashk procedures are increasingly focusing on reinforcing revenue by measures, including multinational businesses, applying a minimum corporate tax and imposing new tax on investment funds, in addition to the target of small businesses that are very dependent on cash, such as capers, restaurants and cars. Investigations revealed that 1034 people were identified as ‘high risks’, and that unannounced revenue was monitored at 1.8 billion pounds ($ 50 million) between 2021 and 2023, according to “Anatolia”. It also shows the presence of 295 people who work without the necessary tax registration. In a statement placed on the “X” platform, Shimakk said that the attempts to impose tax on the income of the non -reported services increase dramatically, and urged individuals to report their income to April 2, which is the deadline for the submission of tax statements.