Social media distorts history: Why fact-checking in Kazakhstan matters

Kazakhstan should establish a system to verify historical content on social media, according to Sholpan Karinova, a member of the Kurultai. Karinova called for measures to identify and curb the spread of false and distorted information about Kazakhstan’s history on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.

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According to Karinova, historical awareness is no longer shaped solely by textbooks and academic research. Social media and digital platforms play an increasingly important role, particularly among young people, who frequently get information from TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.

«Unfortunately, dubious and distorted information on historical topics spreads quickly on social media. An organized system is required to respond to it quickly and professionally, while also providing trustworthy information,» Karinova said.

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Karinova urged the government to prioritize national historical awareness in state information policy and to create a system that ensures content about Kazakhstan’s history is scientifically grounded and reliable, support modern media projects promoting historical memory and national values, and develop history-focused content in accessible formats for TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.

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She also called for an effective mechanism to respond quickly to false and distorted information about history on social media.