Kazakhstan debates stricter oversight of Tiktok, Youtube content

Kazakhstan is considering the development of a separate state strategy to produce children’s content in the Kazakh language and to strengthen oversight of platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, Danabek Isabekov, a member of the Mazhilis (Parliament), has stated.

He said a high-quality digital environment in the Kazakh language has not yet been formed, while social media platforms play a significant role in shaping the views of children and teenagers, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh media.

“We must acknowledge that today the consciousness of our children is often shaped not by schools, but by TikTok. Especially during the summer holidays, the time teenagers spend online increases several times. They become dependent on online games, short videos and uncontrolled content,” the deputy noted.

Isabekov further stressed that Kazakh-language cartoons, educational projects and children’s media platforms are currently unable to compete with the volume of content on major platforms.

According to him, this contributes to the spread of “clip thinking,” the weakening of national cultural identity, and increased influence of foreign culture.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov