Kazakhstan has drafted a bill that would prohibit users under the age of 16 from registering on most online platforms.
The initiative is presented on the “Open Regulatory Legal Acts” portal as part of the draft law titled “On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts Regarding Online Platforms and Mass Media,” prepared by the Ministry of Culture and Information.
The primary aim of the legislation is to strengthen the protection of children from potentially harmful and illegal content online.
The key provision is set out in the new Article 10-1 of the Law on Online Platforms and Online Advertising.
According to the draft, registration on online platforms for those under sixteen will be prohibited, with the exception of instant messaging services.
It means that children will be unable to create accounts on most social networks, video hosting services, and content-sharing platforms, while messaging apps will remain accessible.
The bill’s authors explain that the measure is designed to protect minors from harmful information and destructive content, the dissemination of which online has raised concerns among authorities.
The draft legislation follows a presidential directive issued after an extended government meeting on 28 January 2025, which focused on establishing legal accountability for internet platforms distributing unsafe content.
Implementing an age threshold, according to the Ministry of Culture and Information, is part of a broader effort to create a safe information environment and reduce risks for minors.
The draft law encompasses a comprehensive set of amendments, including over 80 changes to various legislative acts.
Expected outcomes include a reduction in illegal content, enhanced protection for children online, the creation of a level playing field for domestic and international digital market players, and the strengthening of public trust in online platforms and mass media.
The explanatory note emphasises that the law’s implementation will not require additional public funding and is not expected to have negative socio-economic consequences.
Once approved by Parliament and signed by the President, the law is set to come into effect 60 days after its official publication.
The idea of restricting social media access for children is not new in Kazakhstan. On 12 November, Majilis (Parliament) deputy Askhat Aimagambetov proposed age limits for registration on platforms popular among young people, such as TikTok and Instagram.
In his remarks, he highlighted that similar measures are already in place in many countries: for instance, registration in Denmark and Australia is allowed from the ages of 15–16, while in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, parental consent and additional verification are required.
The U.S. Embassy in the Iraqi capital Baghdad came under fire from rockets and drones early on Tuesday (17 March), as the the Middle East conf...
A court in Baku has sentenced a French national, Martin Ryan, to 10 years in prison after finding him guilty of espionage, according to reporting b...
Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of killing at least 400 people and injuring 250 others in an air strike on a drug tr...
President Trump called on countries to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Starmer said the UK is working with allies to restore naviga...
Senior officials from the United States and China met in Paris this week for a new round of trade talks, as the world’s two largest economies...
The U.S. Embassy in the Iraqi capital Baghdad came under fire from rockets and drones early on Tuesday (17 March), as the the Middle East conflict enters its 18th day.
A court in Baku has sentenced a French national, Martin Ryan, to 10 years in prison after finding him guilty of espionage, according to reporting by Reuters and other outlets citing the Russian state news agency RIA.
Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of killing at least 400 people and injuring 250 others in an air strike on a drug treatment centre in Kabul on Monday night (16 March).
President Trump called on countries to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Starmer said the UK is working with allies to restore navigation and stabilise oil markets. It comes as a strike near Iraq’s western border killed several Hashed al-Shaabi fighters, raising regional tensions.
The other evening, I was fuelling my car at a petrol station in Kenya’s capital. It was one of those small moments most motorists barely notice. The attendant filled the tank, I glanced at the pump price, paid, and drove off.
President Trump called on countries to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Starmer said the UK is working with allies to restore navigation and stabilise oil markets. It comes as a strike near Iraq’s western border killed several Hashed al-Shaabi fighters, raising regional tensions.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 15 March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials launched a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
The process of evacuating foreign diplomats and citizens from Iran to Azerbaijan through the Astara state border crossing continues on Sunday (15 March), ensuring smooth and efficient transit for those arriving.
Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of killing at least 400 people and injuring 250 others in an air strike on a drug treatment centre in Kabul on Monday night (16 March).
The U.S. Embassy in the Iraqi capital Baghdad came under fire from rockets and drones early on Tuesday (17 March), as the the Middle East conflict enters its 18th day.
Governments around the world are responding cautiously to U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for countries to send naval ships to the Strait of Hormuz to protect commercial shipping and help restore the flow of global oil supplies.
Kyrgyzstan lawmaker Shairbek Tashiev has resigned from parliament after being questioned by investigators. The Central Election Commission confirmed it has formally terminated his parliamentary mandate.
Kazakhstan’s next presidential election will be held in 2029 in line with the Constitution, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said after voting in a referendum on a draft new Constitution amid debate over whether the reforms could signal a future transfer of power.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment