Culture Minister Proposes Restrictions on Filming Without Consent in Kazakhstan, Cites Prank Videos

Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva announced that Kazakhstan may introduce legal restrictions on taking photos and videos without permission, Orda.kz reports.

According to the minister, pranksters frequently cross boundaries in pursuit of content, and amendments to the mass media law may be introduced to limit unauthorized filming.

We don't want to ban anything. We want to restrict those who film people practically everywhere without permission. Clearly, there are officials, and when they're doing their job, when they're civil servants, they're used to it (being filmed – Ed.). But there are pranks, there are people who film without the permission of those they're filming. We'll discuss this regulation with you. The working group is just being formed, and I can include you all in it if you'd like,
 said Aida Balayeva.

Balayeva added that many Kazakhstanis are complaining about being filmed everywhere, saying it is becoming "impossible to go anywhere with friends."

Earlier, Majilis deputy Nartay Sarsengaliev said pranksters were becoming a problem, arguing that such jokes threaten public order and moral norms, and should be legally regulated.

He addressed his request to Minister Aida Balayeva and Minister of Internal Affairs Yerzhan Sadenov.

Original Author: Anastasia Prilepskaya