Strengthening Regulation of Online Platforms in Kazakhstan: Key Changes and Risks
- Previous framework
- Previous framework
- New rules
- Key takeaways
- Recommendations
- How REVERA can help
- Contact our lawyer for more details
The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Kazakhstan has published a draft law amending regulations on online platforms and mass media. The objective is to strengthen content control, increase transparency of large accounts, and protect user rights.
Public discussion is open on the “Open NPA” portal until 29 December 2025.
Previous framework
- No obligation to identify anonymous users regardless of audience size.
- Educational content could be published without proof of qualifications.
- Occult-related content did not require warnings.
- No direct ban on registering users under 16.
- Penalties for violations in the online-platform sphere were limited.
- No administrative liability for failure to provide identification data for large anonymous accounts.
- Platform representatives had fewer defined obligations regarding the removal of illegal content.
Previous framework
- No obligation to identify anonymous users regardless of audience size.
- Educational content could be published without proof of qualifications.
- Occult-related content did not require warnings.
- No direct ban on registering users under 16.
- Penalties for violations in the online-platform sphere were limited.
- No administrative liability for failure to provide identification data for large anonymous accounts.
- Platform representatives had fewer defined obligations regarding the removal of illegal content.
New rules
- Anonymous users with over 5,000 followers must provide identification data.
- Educational content must include information confirming the author’s qualifications.
- Occult content must contain a disclaimer stating it is for entertainment and lacks scientific basis.
- Registration of users under 16 is prohibited (except instant messaging services).
- New offences and fines added to the Administrative Code (30–200 MCI, 20–100 MCI, 50–200 MCI depending on violation).
- Clearer obligations for platform representatives regarding unlawful content removal.
Key takeaways
- The amendments significantly increase responsibility for both users and platforms.
- Identification of large anonymous accounts will limit the spread of illegal content.
- New labelling requirements create additional obligations for content creators.
- Tougher fines and age restrictions require adjustments to moderation and registration policies.
Recommendations
- Implement mechanisms to identify accounts with >5,000 followers.
- Prepare qualification documents for educational content.
- Add mandatory disclaimers for entertainment/occult content.
- Review age-related registration policies.
- Strengthen systems for fast removal of illegal content.
- Conduct a legal risk assessment.
How REVERA can help
- Content and moderation audit.
- Support with compliance adaptation.
- Preparation of policies, notifications, and disclaimers.
- Training moderation and content teams.
- Risk assessment and regulator-interaction strategy.
Author: Alibek Slan
Contact our lawyer for more details
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