Legislation - The Times Of Central Asia

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Social Media

Kazakhstan Proposes Restrictions on Social Media Access for Minors

An active and ongoing debate is taking place in Kazakhstan over proposed amendments to legislation that would ban children under the age of 16 from using social media. The initiative has been raised repeatedly by lawmakers, although many experts believe teenagers would still find ways to circumvent such restrictions. The primary objective cited by lawmakers is to protect children from harmful content, including violence and pornography, and to reduce cyberbullying. The Ministry of Culture and Information has already prepared draft amendments that would affect the regulation of social media. Mechanisms for verifying users’ ages will be developed jointly with the Ministries of Education and Digital Development. Specifically, the proposals under discussion would introduce a ban on registering users under the age of 16 on social media platforms, with an exception for instant messaging services. Education Minister Zhuldyz Suleimenova said the working group is considering measures, including SIM card registration for children under 14 as an initial step toward access control, monitoring the content minors consume, and stronger digital and media literacy education in schools. Lawmakers argue that the issue is becoming increasingly urgent. In February, officials reported that around 200 registered cases of bullying and cyberbullying involving children were recorded in 2025. The figures were cited by Yulia Ovechkina, deputy chair of the Committee for the Protection of Children’s Rights. According to Ovechkina, these statistics primarily reflect improved detection and reporting rather than the full scale of the problem. She also noted that administrative liability for bullying was expanded in 2024. Officials say the number of teenagers experiencing harassment on social media continues to rise. In November 2025, police in Astana reported a sharp increase in cyberbullying complaints nationwide, particularly among female students and individuals active in public life. Law enforcement agencies note that forms of digital violence are evolving rapidly and becoming less visible. The most common manifestations include cyberbullying, stalking, the publication of personal data, extortion involving intimate materials, and the growing use of deepfake technologies. Increased online activity among teenagers heightens their vulnerability to such threats, police say. At the same time, experts question whether a blanket ban would be effective or meaningfully improve child safety. According to educational psychologist and Gestalt consultant Olga Tretyakova, building trusting relationships with children, openly discussing the dangers of harmful content, and conducting sustained preventive and educational work are far more effective than simply passing restrictive legislation. While such efforts require significantly more resources, she argues they are the only measures likely to produce lasting results. Skepticism also stems from the deep integration of social media into everyday communication, education, and adolescent development. Attempts to isolate minors from these platforms through legal measures risk cutting them off from a social environment they perceive as normal. Children are likely to register using other people’s phones, false names, or fake dates of birth, said Gabit Umirbekov, deputy chairman of the Chamber of Legal Advisors of the Republic of Kazakhstan. For many minors, especially those who are socially isolated or vulnerable, social networks serve as...

Legislation

Kyrgyzstan Launches Development of English Law-Based Dispute Resolution Center

The Kyrgyz Ministry of Justice and the British Embassy in Kyrgyzstan have signed a memorandum to establish an International Center for Dispute Resolution based on English law within the newly designated Special Financial Investment Territory “Tamchy.” The initiative follows legislation signed by President Sadyr Japarov establishing the Tamchy zone, a special legal and regulatory jurisdiction located in the Issyk-Kul region. The zone is designed to attract both domestic and foreign investment by offering tax incentives and a favorable business environment, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, wellness, and transport infrastructure. A central component of the initiative is the creation of an international arbitration and dispute resolution center operating under English common law, a legal system based on judicial precedent and widely used in major financial hubs like London, Dubai, and Singapore. Under the memorandum, the British Embassy will support the Kyrgyz government by helping to engage a team of legal consultants to assist in implementing English law within the centre’s framework. The aim is to build a transparent, neutral, and internationally credible mechanism for resolving investment and commercial disputes in Kyrgyzstan. Government officials described the center as a strategic step toward building a modern, rule-based platform for impartial dispute resolution. By integrating English common law principles, Kyrgyzstan aims to enhance investor confidence, ensure legal predictability, and strengthen its position as a competitive and secure destination for international capital.

Home Insurance

Kazakhstan Proposes Mandatory Home Insurance Against Natural Disasters

Kazakhstan’s Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market (ARDF) has introduced a draft law that would mandate insurance for residential properties against natural disasters. The proposed legislation, now available for public review on the "Open NPAs" portal, aims to establish a nationwide system of financial protection in the event of earthquakes, floods, and wildfires. A Response to Widespread Risk According to UNICEF, roughly 75% of Kazakhstan’s territory is vulnerable to natural hazards, yet only 3.2% of the country’s housing stock is currently insured. In Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city and a high-risk seismic zone, coverage reaches just 7.7%. The ARDF argues that compulsory insurance would help reduce fiscal pressure on the state by ensuring that regions most exposed to natural disasters have a legal safety net. The proposed policy would be regionally tiered based on risk level and priced between 1,000 and 20,000 KZT ($2 to $40) annually, roughly equivalent to the current property tax. Initially, payouts would cover urgent needs, up to 10 million KZT ($20,000), with future provisions extending to repair costs or the purchase of new housing. Subsidies are planned for socially vulnerable populations. The draft also envisions the creation of a dedicated state insurance organization to collect premiums and disburse compensation. The agency believes this model will accelerate post-disaster housing reconstruction and reduce budgetary strain. The proposal is open for public discussion until May 12. If adopted, the law is expected to come into effect in 2026. Drawing Lessons from Turkey The initiative draws heavily on Turkey’s experience, where a similar system has been in place since 2000. As National Bank analyst Janibek Asylbekov explained, both countries face comparable natural and geographic risks. In Turkey, compulsory insurance covers private homes and apartment buildings, with the state playing a central role through an insurance fund that partners with private firms. Asylbekov stressed the importance of leveraging digital technologies to streamline registration and payment processes, suggesting integration with routine systems such as utility billing. He also highlighted the need for public outreach, citing Turkey’s collaboration with its Ministry of Education to promote awareness among schoolchildren. To ensure accessibility, he recommends setting modest initial premiums that vary by region, taking into account local income levels and risk exposure. In Turkey, insurance rates differ based on factors such as property type, age, size, and the number of floors. Discounts are available for policy renewals and for older housing stock.

Children's Rights

Kazakhstan Cracks Down on Crimes Against Children and Women

Kazakhstan’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Dinara Zakiyeva, has outlined the scale of sexual violence against minors and the state’s efforts to combat it by strengthening legislation and support systems. Legislative Changes In April 2024, Kazakhstan introduced sweeping amendments to its criminal legislation, significantly increasing penalties for crimes against women and children. On April 15, 2024, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed into law the On Amendments and Additions to Some Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Ensuring Women's Rights and Children's Safety. Key changes to the Criminal Code include: Prohibition of lenient sentencing for crimes involving violence against minors; Elimination of reconciliation between parties in cases involving violence against minors; Introduction of life imprisonment as the sole penalty for the murder of a minor (Article 99), rape of a minor (Article 120), and other violent sexual acts against minors (Article 121), removing alternative sentencing options; Criminalization of sexual solicitation of individuals under 16; and Legal liability for inciting or assisting in suicide. Scope of the Problem According to Zakiyeva, approximately 900 crimes related to the sexual abuse of minors are reported in Kazakhstan each year. Since the enactment of the new law, 25 to 27 individuals have already received life sentences for such offenses. The highest incidence of these crimes is recorded in southern Kazakhstan, specifically Almaty, Turkestan, and Zhambyl regions, as well as West Kazakhstan and Kostanay regions. Zakiyeva notes that these areas often have high population density and conservative family structures that may conceal abuse. Zakiyeva shared disturbing cases of underage girls who had given birth as a result of prolonged abuse. “In Zhambyl region, I met a 13-year-old girl who had been raped for six years by her two uncles. In Turkestan region, I visited a center housing 16 underage mothers, aged 13 to 15, all of whom were victims of abuse by relatives. Many didn’t even realize they were victims of a crime, they believed this was normal family life,” she said. Prevention and Support The children’s ombudsman emphasized that effective anti-violence strategies globally rely on four pillars: strengthening legal frameworks; promoting self-defense and awareness; working with families to identify risk factors early; and expanding support infrastructure for victims. Kazakhstan’s new legislation supports preventive measures such as deploying mobile teams to identify at-risk families and establishing family support centers in every district. Currently, 112 such centers are operational, with another 109 underway. In Turkestan region alone, the number of centers has grown from one to 13, with four more soon to open. Helpline and Awareness In a single month, Kazakhstan’s national children’s helpline received 120 phone calls and 11,145 text messages. According to Zakiyeva, these messages often reveal the deep emotional isolation children feel. “Children feel alone. They’re scared to speak out. They’re afraid to tell anyone that they’re being threatened, blackmailed, or approached by strangers. Many can’t talk to their parents, teachers, or psychologists,” she said.

Oil and Gas

Opinion: Tengiz, Karachaganak, and Kashagan: Kazakhstan Asserts Contract Stability Amid Lawsuits Exceeding $170 Billion

Following statements by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the intrigue surrounding the PSA agreements for Kashagan and Karachaganak and the stabilized contract for Tengiz have taken on new dimensions. Previously, in the articles, Breaking Down Kazakhstan’s Claims Against International Oil Consortiums and Is Kazakhstan Preparing to Take on the Oil Consortium “Whales?, TCA examined the ongoing lawsuits filed by the government and the authorized body, PSA LLC, against the North Caspian Operating Company N.V. (NCOC) and Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V. (KPO), noting that the Ministry of Energy and KazMunayGas have not raised any claims against the joint venture Tengizchevroil LLP (TCO). While shares in NCOC and KPO are managed by PSA LLC, those in TCO are controlled by the national company, KazMunayGas. What did President Tokayev say? On January 28, President Tokayev held an expanded government meeting addressing the public and political debate surrounding PSA agreements. "Reforms in the subsoil use sector must continue, no matter what," Tokayev stated. "This is a fundamental position that the government should firmly adhere to. The implementation of production-sharing agreements (PSAs) for major oil fields has allowed Kazakhstan to become a reliable supplier of energy resources to the global market. These projects make a significant contribution to the country’s socioeconomic development. However, large investments require a long-term planning horizon. Therefore, the government must intensify negotiations on extending PSA contracts, possibly on updated and more favorable terms for our country." This statement sparked discussions among experts; who exactly was the president referring to? The major PSAs in Kazakhstan are the Karachaganak and Kashagan projects, with contracts expiring in 2038 and 2041, respectively. In contrast, Tengiz does not operate under a PSA but rather a stabilized contract, which is set to expire much sooner, in 2033. I have repeatedly emphasized the need for an audit of Tengiz before the contract expires and have proposed that it should not be extended. Kazakhstan can independently, or with the involvement of foreign oil service companies, develop this highly profitable field under more advantageous conditions. On January 29, Kazakhstan's Minister of Energy, Almassadam Satkaliyev, provided clarification, confirming that the president's directive was specifically about Tengiz. "The directive was given quite openly within the framework of international agreements and international law to conduct consultations with consortium participants. Given the development timelines, the most relevant project for us is Tengizchevroil, which operates the Tengiz field in partnership with Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Lukoil. We plan to start certain preliminary consultations with them, and once we are ready for negotiations, we will proceed with them. The government will first develop an agenda and a list of its demands. One possible demand is an increase in Kazakhstan’s stake in these projects." So, is Tengiz the primary target? Or is Kazakhstan preparing for a broader offensive on all three fronts? “There are Hardliners in the Government” On February 16, the international industry portal Upstream Online published an extensive article titled Kazakhstan Seeks Shake-Up at Crucial Foreign-Led Oil Projects. The article primarily focuses on the production-sharing agreements (PSAs) for Karachaganak...

Mass Media

Japarov Backs Elon Musk’s Call to Shut Down Radio Liberty

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has expressed support for Elon Musk’s initiative to close U.S.-funded media outlets Voice of America and Radio Liberty. In an interview with the state news agency Kabar, Japarov suggested that Azattyk, the Kyrgyz branch of Radio Liberty, was no longer relevant in the digital age. “Twenty or thirty years ago, everyone waited for Azattyk, listened to it, believed it - because there was no internet or smartphones. Now, people do not need information from Azattyk. Everyone gets their news online. Besides, our people have learned to analyze information and not believe everything,” Japarov said. Azattyk’s Legal Battles in Kyrgyzstan Japarov accused Radio Liberty’s Kyrgyz service of frequently spreading unverified and harmful information. He noted that when state authorities took legal action, Azattyk journalists often removed the disputed material. In 2022, a Kyrgyz court suspended Azattyk’s license over its coverage of border clashes between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. “If you sue them, they start shouting to the whole world: ‘Freedom of speech is dead in our country.’ Is this normal? Is spreading misleading information or manipulating the news freedom of speech? We should not confuse permissiveness with free speech or human rights. That’s why Trump and Musk’s decision should be supported,” Japarov said. At a national assembly in Bishkek last December, Japarov suggested that the U.S. State Department should provide funding directly to the Kyrgyz government, promising that Kyrgyzstan would then ensure democracy and human rights at the highest level. Political Analysts Weigh In Political analyst Bakyt Baketaev told The Times of Central Asia that while Radio Liberty – Azattyk is widely listened to in Kyrgyzstan, this does not necessarily mean broad public support for its narratives. “They mix solid journalism with unverified reports. They frequently take negative stories from the opposition - sometimes deliberately disrupting stability. Naturally, this affects the authorities’ perception of the outlet,” Baketaev said. He added that Azattyk’s closure would have a significant impact on pro-Western perspectives in Kyrgyzstan. “Modern geopolitics has shown that democracy, free speech, and human rights cannot be introduced overnight in other countries. Afghanistan is a clear example of this. Democratic values should be developed in coordination with the state,” Baketaev said. Despite the criticism, Baketaev acknowledged that Radio Liberty had successfully collaborated with the Kyrgyz government on ecology, public health, and women's rights issues.