Kazakhstan's Shocking Move: Will Social Media Be Banned for ALL Under 16s? Find Out Why!

Kazakhstan is taking significant steps to enhance online safety for minors by drafting a new bill that would restrict users under the age of 16 from registering on most online platforms. This initiative, titled “On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts Regarding Online Platforms and Mass Media,” has been prepared by the Ministry of Culture and Information and is currently available on the “Open Regulatory Legal Acts” portal.

The primary goal of this legislation is to bolster the protection of children from potentially harmful and illegal content present online. Under the proposed new Article 10-1 of the Law on Online Platforms and Online Advertising, registration on various online platforms will be prohibited for users under the age of 16, with the notable exception of instant messaging services. As a result, children will be unable to create accounts on popular platforms such as social networks, video hosting services, and content-sharing sites, though messaging apps will remain accessible.

The authors of the bill argue that the measure is necessary to protect minors from harmful information and content that can lead to negative consequences, a concern that has increasingly drawn attention from authorities. This legislative move follows a presidential directive issued after a government meeting on January 28, 2025, that focused on establishing legal accountability for internet platforms disseminating unsafe content.

Implementing an age threshold is part of a broader effort by the Kazakh government to cultivate a safe online environment and mitigate risks for children. The draft law also includes over 80 amendments affecting various legislative acts, aiming to reduce the prevalence of illegal content, enhance child protection, and establish a level playing field for both domestic and international digital market players. Furthermore, the Ministry of Culture and Information asserts that the law’s implementation will not necessitate additional public funding, and it is not expected to result in any adverse socio-economic impacts.

Once the bill is approved by Parliament and signed by the President, it is set to take effect 60 days after its official publication. Interestingly, the notion of restricting social media access for children is not entirely new in Kazakhstan. On November 12, Majilis deputy Askhat Aimagambetov proposed similar age limits for registration on platforms favored by young users, such as TikTok and Instagram.

Aimagambetov has pointed out that similar regulations are already in effect in many countries. For instance, Denmark and Australia allow registration from ages 15 to 16, while in the United States, United Kingdom, and Ireland, parental consent and additional verification are required for younger users. This places Kazakhstan's proposed legislation within a broader global context where many nations are grappling with how to protect young users from the risks associated with digital platforms.

As the conversation around online safety continues to evolve, Kazakhstan's proposed legislation may serve as a significant step toward addressing the growing concerns regarding children's exposure to harmful content online. The potential implications of this law could resonate beyond Kazakhstan, influencing similar discussions in other countries as they seek effective strategies for safeguarding their youth in an increasingly digital world.