“Currently, the issue of blocking is not on the agenda of the ministry. However, if the requirements for compliance with the legislation are not met, measures are provided, including those related to restricting access,” noted Kanat Iskakov.
He also clarified that the agency regularly collaborates with representatives of online platforms, including TikTok.
“We regulate and work with TikTok. At this moment, the issue of blocking any platform is not on the table. Regarding the types of violations, these include violations related to the dissemination of false information by certain individuals who upload content, as well as issues related to children's content, insults, and defamation against private individuals,” added Kanat Iskakov.
It is worth noting that earlier in Kazakhstan, discussions began regarding a possible TikTok block or access restrictions to the platform. Nurken Khalykbergen, the rector of Miras University, suggested to the deputies to block TikTok due to concerns about user manipulation. Deputy Erlan Sairov also expressed support for blocking content that negatively affects children and urged the government to utilize the law on online platforms.
The Minister of Culture and Information, Aida Balaeva, stated that there has been an increase in illegal content on TikTok. Discussions about blocking are taking place against the backdrop of similar measures in other countries. In Russia, the Association of Social Media Users proposed that Roskomnadzor consider blocking TikTok, in Kyrgyzstan access to the platform has already been blocked to protect children's health, and in the USA, President Joe Biden signed a law requiring the sale of TikTok to an American owner.
In Kazakhstan, TikTok emphasized that user safety is a priority for them. In 2023, they removed over four million videos that violated their rules. Representatives of the platform stated that they hope residents will continue to use TikTok for creativity and earning.
Not to block entirely
Gulmira Birzhanova, head of the legal department at Media Qoldau, believes that blocking TikTok is possible, citing foreign experience and children's rights. However, she does not see the necessity to block the social network, as TikTok has rules for content removal, and the platform is interested in cooperation with Kazakhstan.
Birzhanova notes that illegal content also exists on other social networks, such as Instagram and YouTube. Instead of a complete block, a mechanism for targeted blocking should be developed, which is already provided for in the law “On Communications.” According to Tatyana Chernobyl, an international law consultant, it is technically difficult for the state to block content independently, and it requires this from platforms or telecom operators.
Chernobyl reminds that the law allows for restricting information that harms the interests of individuals, society, or the state, as well as violating election legislation and promoting the sexual exploitation of minors. She also emphasizes the need to raise awareness among children and parents about online risks.
When asked why TikTok is specifically being proposed for closure, Birzhanova pointed out that it is easier to do so against the backdrop of restrictions in other countries. Chernobyl added that the reasons for TikTok blockages in different countries vary, but they are mainly related to censorship. She warned that there are legal grounds for restrictions on other social networks as well, which could pose a threat to them in the future.