Kazakhstan moves to crack down on abusive ‘trash streamers’

Kazakhstan is considering legislation that would formally define «trash streaming» and increase penalties for illegal acts broadcast during live streams. The proposal was put forward by Zharkynbek Amantai, a member of the Kurultai representing the Adilet party faction.

According to Amantai, some livestreamers deliberately provoke conflicts and scandals, insult people and stage dangerous pranks because such content attracts viewers and can generate income.

«Rude and provocative content attracts more views. In turn, views are converted into likes and donations, and sometimes even advertising revenue,» Amantai said. «Therefore, in certain cases, illegal actions are transformed into a means of profit.»

Proposed measures

Amantai proposes defining «trash streaming» separately in law and increasing penalties for illegal acts broadcast live.

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He also called for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and other platforms to be involved in combating such broadcasts. The proposed measures would include mechanisms for quickly detecting and blocking illegal livestreams, as well as protecting people who appear in broadcasts without their consent.

Another part of the proposal would strengthen protections for people featured in such broadcasts without their consent and establish a unified state system for monitoring this type of content.

Freedom of expression

The MP stressed that he is not proposing a blanket ban on harsh or unpleasant content. Instead, he said legislation should clearly distinguish between freedom of expression and actions that constitute violations subject to legal liability.