Social media blocks could result from amendments to the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan

While war rages in Ukraine and numerous sanctions are imposed on Russia, Kazakh lawmakers continue to advance amendments to the law that could lead to the blocking of social media platforms.

What happened?

Last September, lawmakers proposed amendments to the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan (RK) aimed at protecting children from cyberbullying. Under this pretext, they sought to introduce regulations to tighten control and restrict access to social networks and messengers. However, following widespread outrage and public resistance, this was not achieved. Now, following Russia's recent steps, lawmakers have decided to raise this issue again.

How will control be enforced?

Currently, the Ministry of Information and Public Development (MIOPD) cannot influence internet platform content that it dislikes. However, after the adoption of the bill, MIOPD will be able to pressure information published on social networks and messengers, as they will be required to open representative offices in the RK. If a representative office of, for example, Instagram refuses to remove a post deemed inappropriate by MIOPD, that social network will simply be blocked for Kazakh citizens.

Which social networks will be targeted?

The bill stipulates that the requirement will apply to social networks and messengers used by more than 100,000 residents of Kazakhstan on average per day over the course of a month. In other words, almost all online platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, Telegram, and YouTube, will be subject to close scrutiny by MIOPD, with the potential removal of any content considered illegal from its perspective.

Why is the public opposed?

As we know, social networks are the only place for freedom of speech for Kazakh citizens, which may disappear with the adoption of the bill. According to Adil Jalilov, director of the International Journalism Center MediaNet, the law does not define boundaries regarding whether the issue concerns cyberbullying of children or not. This means the authorities will be able to demand the removal of any content deemed illegal, with the protection of children from online bullying serving merely as a pretext. As long as social networks are outside Kazakh jurisdiction, we can freely express our opinions there, and officials have no right to dictate their rules to us.

Who benefits from this?

It is known that all social networks have fairly effective policies against hostile content, which any user can report. Also, children rarely use Facebook, yet it will still fall under the scope of the law. Perhaps the amendments ultimately benefit officials who do not wish to face criticism on social networks and want to suppress public outrage directed at the authorities.

What is the current status?

The bill, which openly leads to the blocking of social networks, must still be approved by the Senate and signed by the President. On the "Open Legal Acts" portal, everyone can participate in discussing drafts before they are coordinated with state and local executive bodies. In a listening state, the people must have the right to their own opinion to prevent "child protectors" from having free rein for corruption. Social networks are one of the ways to maintain dialogue between the people and the government, making them essential for the country's development.