Kazakhstan introduces new rules for social networks

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed the law on online platforms and online advertising that will oblige Kazakhstani bloggers and influencers to pay taxes.

What novelties does the new law introduce? The document introduces the notion of «influencer» and puts legal responsibility on them for the information they spread online. All bloggers with a large audience will be required to label sponsored posts to inform their followers if a post is paid. They also will be obliged to pay taxes for such paid content. Disinformation and fakes will be punished with fines.

What is the penalty for fake news? The spread of disinformation or fake news will be punished with fines of $156.40 for owners of online platforms and $312.79 for bloggers. The president has already signed the necessary amendments to the country’s Code of Administrative Offenses.

Will Kazakh be available on social networks? The state language of Kazakhstan is going to be added to the interface of online platforms. According to the government, this is crucial for monitoring online content both in Russian and Kazakh to protect children from harmful information.

When does the law enter into force? The law on online platforms and online advertising is going to enter into force 60 days after its official publication in the media.

The draft law was approved by members of the Senate on June 29. On the same day, the document was transferred to the president for signing.