A digital warning: Kazakhstan’s new anti-extremism measure

Kazakhstan’s authorities will send annual SMS alerts to citizens about the risks and penalties associated with religious extremism, according to a draft decree by the Ministry of Digital Development published on the Legalacts.egov.kz portal. The draft is open for public discussion until Dec. 13.

The text messages will remind recipients of penalties outlined in the Administrative Code for offenses such as:

• Producing, storing or distributing media content aimed at inciting religious discord. Fines range from approximately $139 to $13,950.
• Leading or participating in unregistered religious associations or financing their activities. Fines range from $351 to $1,410.
• Violating laws on religious activities and associations. Fines range from $351 to $2,100.

The ministry stated that these alerts aim to prevent terrorist and extremist offenses. Messages will be sent via the emergency service number 112, in both Kazakh and Russian, using Cyrillic and Latin scripts.