Kazakhstan: Bill Proposing Fines for Reposting Prohibited Content on Social Media Passes First Reading

Kazakhstan is preparing to introduce fines for sharing illegal or prohibited content on social media. The Majilis has approved the bill in its first reading, Orda.kz reports.

Amendments are being made to the Law “On Crime Prevention.” For the first time, the legislation explicitly states that penalties will apply not only to those who create banned materials but also to those who distribute them — including through posts and reposts on social media.

The following types of content will be prohibited:

• Calls for extremism, violence, or war
• Propaganda of suicide, drugs, or separatism
• Statements undermining Kazakhstan’s territorial integrity

These provisions are also reflected in the Law “On Internet Platforms and Online Advertising.” The amendments to the crime prevention law were approved at a plenary session of the Majilis on October 15, but the amount of fines has not yet been announced.

If the changes take effect, Kazakhstanis will need to be more cautious about what they share online — even a simple repost could lead to administrative penalties.

Punishment for illegal online activity in Kazakhstan is already strict.

Recently, Orda.kz reported on a young entrepreneur from Qaraganda accused of inciting ethnic discord through her social media posts, with prosecutors seeking a prison sentence in her case.

Original Author: Alina Pak