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.
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