
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has signed a bill banning the online distribution of pornography into law, restricting access to websites with adult content within the country.
Internet service providers and website owners in Kyrgyzstan will be obliged to block access to pornographic content within 24 hours after receiving a request from an authorized agency. If ignored, access to the website may be completely banned.
In June, the Jogorku Kenesh — the country’s unicameral parliament — adopted the law in its second and third readings. The legislation aims to protect society’s moral and ethical values, according to the media outlet 24.kg.
When the bill passed its first reading, Kyrgyz Deputy Minister of Culture Marat Tagaev emphasized that the previous law applied solely to websites and TV channels registered in Kyrgyzstan, while the new measure aims to combat even those registered overseas. As the official noted, operators have the technical capability to restrict access to such websites, although preventing access via VPN remains difficult.
In late May, the Kyrgyz parliament also passed a language law requiring candidates for public office and civil service positions to demonstrate proficiency in Kyrgyz, sparking heated debate over civil rights and the future of interethnic relations in the country.
In 2023, a Kyrgyz MP proposed introducing a ban on wearing burqas, following Uzbekistan’s example. Throughout 2024, Kyrgyz MPs and activists held discussions on whether individuals wearing face-concealing garments should face fines. This led to the adoption of a corresponding law in January 2025, followed by a series of enforcement raids to ensure compliance.