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Tengrinews.kz — A draft law has been prepared in Kazakhstan that would ban users under 16 from registering on online platforms. The document was developed by the Ministry of Culture and Information. Tengrinews.kz found out which platforms could fall under the restrictions.
What happened
In early December, a draft law titled “On amendments and additions to certain legislative acts on online platforms and mass media” appeared on the “Open Regulatory Legal Acts” (Open NPAs) portal. One of the key initiatives is a ban on registering users under the age of 16 on online platforms, with the exception of registration on instant messaging services.
Earlier, the ministry clarified that the draft law is aimed at creating the necessary legal framework: reducing the volume of unlawful content on online platforms, updating regulations to reflect the development of media and the internet, regulating the activities of audiovisual services, and labeling official responses from government bodies. All measures are focused on “ensuring a safe information environment.”
The document has been published on the “Open NPAs” portal for public discussion until December 29, 2025.
Which platforms may fall under the ban
In response to an official request from Tengrinews.kz, the Ministry of Culture stated that the “ban will apply to children’s registration only in social networks.”
“This ban will not apply to instant messaging services, such as WhatsApp or Telegram,” the ministry said.
The agency did not provide an exact list of platforms, but noted that the ban concerns all social networks operating in the country. This means that if the amendments are adopted, restrictions could apply, for example, to TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X (formerly Twitter), and VK (VKontakte).
At the same time, according to the ministry, the rule does not extend to online games.
“Online games such as Roblox and Minecraft do not fall into the category of online platforms, including social networks,” the agency noted.
How users’ age will be verified
The Ministry of Culture said it is studying international experience with similar norms, including Australia’s.
“After the public discussion, based on international experience, specific technical and organizational mechanisms will be provided for, including methods of age verification, the procedure for confirming users’ data, and other tools necessary to implement the requirements of the legislation. These amendments have so far only been submitted for public discussion on the ‘Open NPAs’ internet portal,” the response to our official inquiry says.
Important: The amendments have not yet been adopted. They have been put up for public discussion on the “Open NPAs” portal until December 29, 2025. The Ministry of Culture noted that it is open to comments and proposals.
Why they want to restrict social networks for children
According to the official response, protecting children’s rights and dignity in the digital space “is an important priority of state policy.”
“Social networks pose a potential threat to children, as they become an arena for bullying and fraudulent actions against them. In addition, unlawful content is often distributed on these platforms, which has a negative impact on children’s psychological health,” the agency explained.
The day before, in the corridors of the Senate, journalists asked whether Kazakhstan is considering restricting access to or blocking the popular game Roblox. The question was answered by Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Yevgeniy Kochetov. According to him, blocking the platform is not being discussed at this time.
Kochetov also added that the ministry and other government agencies have not officially received complaints from parents about Roblox, “so for now everything is working as it was.”
Recall that on November 12, Mazhilis deputy Askhat Aimagambetov proposed introducing age restrictions for registration on social networks. In particular, he mentioned TikTok and Instagram, which are popular among children and teenagers in Kazakhstan. Aimagambetov emphasized that such restrictions are already in place in other countries. According to him, for example, in Denmark and Australia registration is allowed from ages 15–16, while in the United States, England, and Ireland special parental consent and verification are required.
