Translated with AI
Kazakhstan has drafted a bill banning the registration of users under 16 on online platforms. The initiative is contained in the draft law "On Amendments and Supplements to Certain Legislative Acts Concerning Online Platforms and Mass Media" on the "Open NPA" portal. The document was developed by the Ministry of Culture and Information, Tengrinews.kz reports.
What exactly is being proposed?
The key provision is set out in new Article 10-1 of the Law "On Online Platforms and Online Advertising." It explicitly states:
"Registration of users on online platforms under the age of sixteen is prohibited, with the exception of registration on instant messaging services" (draft law, Article 11, paragraph 5 – new Article 10-1).
Thus, children under 16 will be prohibited from creating accounts on most platforms—video hosting sites, social networks, and content platforms. Messengers are an exception.
Why is the ban being introduced?
In the explanatory note, the developers indicate that the goal is to protect children from harmful and illegal content distributed on online platforms.
The document was prepared following an extended government meeting on January 28, 2025, to "consider the issue of legislatively establishing the liability of internet platforms for the dissemination of destructive content."
According to the Ministry of Culture, the introduction of an age barrier is one of the measures to create a "safe information environment" and reduce risks for minors.
The bill includes a broad package of amendments—more than 80 changes to various laws.
According to the calculations of the ICI, the amendments should:
- reduce the volume of illegal content;
- improve children's safety on the Internet;
- create equal conditions for foreign and domestic players in the digital market;
- strengthen trust in online platforms and mass media.
The explanatory note notes that the law's implementation will not require budget expenditures and will not lead to negative socio-economic consequences.
When the law may come into force
Once adopted by Parliament and signed by the President, the law will enter into force 60 days after its official publication.
As a reminder, on November 12, Majilis Deputy Askhat Aimagambetov proposed introducing age restrictions for social media registration. Specifically, he was referring to TikTok and Instagram, popular among children and teenagers in Kazakhstan . Aimagambetov emphasized that such restrictions are already in place in other countries. He noted, for example, that in Denmark and Australia, registration is permitted from age 15-16, while in the US, England, and Ireland, special parental permission and verification are required.
