Kazakhstan Considers Social Media Ban for Children Under 16

Kazakhstan is preparing to fundamentally change social media registration rules to ensure the safety of minors. The Ministry of Culture and Information is currently considering a formal ban on creating accounts on online platforms for citizens under the age of 16.

This initiative was announced during a government meeting by Aida Balayeva, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information. According to her, the ministry has drafted special bills to regulate the activities of online platforms and mass media. These documents provide for mechanisms to restrict access to social networks for children and adolescents, including a direct ban on registration for those under 16.

The draft laws have already undergone expert review and are now open for public discussion. To implement these new rules, special age verification mechanisms will be introduced. Additionally, liability measures for both platforms and individuals who violate these requirements will be established.

The authorities believe this step is necessary to protect children from extremist influences, cyberbullying, and harmful online content.