A dossier on the draft law, “On Internet Advertising and Online Platforms” was published in Kazakhstan. We have learned that the draft implements several provisions from the Digital Services Act (European Union) and proposed Online Safety Bill (United Kingdom).

Under the draft, the activities of companies owning online platforms (e.g., social networks, marketplaces) that operate in Kazakhstan will be subject to additional regulations. Thus, if the draft is adopted, such companies will have certain obligations, including:

• Providing an interface in Kazakh and Russian
• Having mechanisms for filing complaints to have unlawful content removed
• Providing reasoned and substantiated responses when decisions are made to remove publications or restrict access to accounts

It is presumed that the activities of local “influencers” (bloggers) will also be regulated; furthermore, influencers will be held responsible for content they post on the Internet.

In addition, the draft mandates that publications aimed at advertisement should be marked as such.

According to the Ministry of Information and Public Development, a working group will be formed in May 2023 to further develop the text of the new law.

We are actively monitoring the status of this initiative and will keep you updated. If you have any questions, please contact us.