Tokayev backs bill banning social media registration for under-16s

August 31, 2026 at 01:11 PM2 min

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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the new unicameral parliament to prioritize a bill banning social media registration for children under 16. He called for a safe information environment and thorough implementation mechanisms. The move aligns Kazakhstan with Australia, Malaysia, and the UAE, which have adopted similar age restrictions.

Key Facts

Tokayev instructed the new unicameral parliament to prioritize the bill banning social media registration for children under 16.
The bill was previously proposed by the government and Tokayev called for its consideration in the near future.
Australia banned social media use for under-16s in December 2025, and Malaysia has introduced similar restrictions.
The UAE prohibits social media use for children under 15.
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon ordered proposals within three months to address uncontrolled social media use by children.

Parliamentary Priority

Tokayev made the announcement at the opening of the first session of the Kurultai. He stated that the initiative had been proposed earlier by the government. The president supported the bill and urged deputies to consider it in the near future. He emphasized the need to create a safe information environment for children. Tokayev also instructed thorough elaboration of implementation mechanisms for the future law.

Global Age Restrictions

Australia banned social media use for individuals under 16 in December 2025. Malaysia introduced similar restrictions, while Denmark, Norway, and the United Kingdom plan to implement them. The UAE's ban applies to children under 15. Tokayev previously stated that information overload negatively affects society, especially youth. He said social networks, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and aggressive marketing influence children's worldview comparably to family and school.

Tajikistan's Parallel Move

Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, speaking at Dushanbe school No. 105 on the start of the academic year, ordered proposals within three months to address uncontrolled social media use by children. Rahmon said excessive internet use can negatively affect children's sleep, speech, memory, learning ability, and physical development.