Kazakhstan Proposes New Law Tightening Control over Anonymous Channels

Kazakhstan has drafted a law that would change the regulation of online platforms and mass media. The document was published on the “Open Regulatory Acts” portal and is open for public comment until December 29, Orda.kz reports.

The Ministry of Culture and Information has proposed updating legislation to reflect the growth of digital services and to strengthen measures against illegal content. 

For example, owners of popular anonymous Telegram channels may be required to disclose their identities.

The draft introduces a registry of anonymous users of online platforms with an audience of over five thousand subscribers. Owners of such accounts must submit identifying information to the authorized body. The ministry will determine the list of data. It is also proposed to require online platforms to register their representative office in Kazakhstan,
 the draft states.

The document also introduces an official label for government agencies’ responses, new rules for audiovisual platforms, operator licensing requirements, content posting rules, and expanded regulator powers.

Another provision may prohibit children under 16 from registering on social networks.

The bill also outlines administrative liability. Fines of up to 200 MCI are proposed for the illegal distribution of images. Obscene language on online platforms or in the media would be punishable by a fine of 20 MCI or administrative arrest for up to fifteen days.

Earlier, Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva criticized anonymous Telegram channels. She said many platforms publish false information. She also expressed interest in identifying their owners, noting that some operate from abroad.

It was also announced that Meta is tightening rules for users under 16.

Teenagers will only be able to go live on Instagram with parental permission, and the company is introducing the blurring of intimate images in direct messages. These restrictions are linked to the new online safety law already in effect in the UK.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov