Kazakhstan eyes social media ban for users under 16

Kazakhstan is preparing legislation that would prohibit users under the age of 16 from registering on social media platforms as part of a broader effort to strengthen protections for children online.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced the initiative during an August conference of educators, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh media.

Tokayev said the government has already drafted a bill introducing the restriction. He also called for stronger content filtering and wider use of mandatory SIM cards for children to help safeguard minors in the digital environment.

The president said the growing influence of social media, digital platforms and artificial intelligence on children has emerged as a significant issue for Kazakhstan’s national security and sustainable development.

By Vafa Guliyeva