Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information is considering new regulations on photography and video recording of individuals without their prior consent. The initiative was announced by Minister Aida Balaeva, who addressed potential amendments to the Law “On Mass Media.”
According to Balaeva, the proposal does not entail a ban but rather seeks to clarify the rules for filming in public spaces. Responding to media inquiries, she noted that the ministry regularly receives complaints from citizens concerned about being recorded without permission, particularly in content used for pranks or misleading narratives.
While current legislation allows individuals to contest the unauthorized use of their image, the ministry is exploring whether additional legal provisions are warranted. Balaeva invited journalists to join a working group to evaluate the matter further.
The minister dismissed claims that the proposed changes are intended to shield public officials. The speculation follows the recent circulation of a video on social media showing deputies appearing inattentive during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s address.
“We are already used to being filmed everywhere. But we are citizens of this country too, and we also have the right to privacy,” Balaeva stated. She emphasized that the objective is not to hinder journalistic work but to address rising concerns over misuse.
Earlier drafts of the proposed regulation suggested requiring journalists and bloggers to obtain explicit consent before publishing an individual’s image, including online. In cases of republication, editing, or adding commentary, renewed consent would be necessary.
However, exceptions are proposed for filming public events, documenting official functions, and materials deemed in the public interest.
Gulmira Birzhanova, a lawyer at the Legal Media Center, warned that the measure could lead to excessive bureaucracy and potential abuse. She argued that the initiative contradicts existing legislation and Kazakhstan’s Constitution.
As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, earlier this year the ministry also proposed strengthening penalties for inciting interethnic and interreligious discord.
