Social Media Ban and Driver's License Replacement: What Happened in Kazakhstan on December 19
Kazakhstan saw a mix of legal updates, diplomatic moves, and ongoing investigations this week. Authorities introduced new rules on workplace decorations and social media access for minors, while President Tokayev engaged in high-level talks in Japan. Meanwhile, court proceedings and a tragic discovery marked the country’s domestic headlines.
In Almaty, the Emergency Situations Department released strict guidelines for New Year workplace decorations. Businesses failing to comply face fines between 19,660 tenge and 589,800 tenge. The rules aim to prevent fire hazards and ensure public safety during the holiday season.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited Japan for a series of key meetings. He held discussions with Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, resulting in a memorandum of understanding to boost ties between Astana and Tokyo. Tokayev also met executives from leading Japanese firms and delivered a lecture at the United Nations University, focusing on global trust in turbulent times. Back in Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Culture and Information proposed a law banning children under 16 from registering on social media platforms. The draft legislation aligns with broader efforts to protect young users online. Separately, the Ministry of Internal Affairs clarified that driver’s licences remain valid until their printed expiry dates, dismissing rumours of new requirements. Legal proceedings continued in the high-profile murder trial of Aizhan Zhumanova. The Talakkur Specialized Interdistrict Criminal Court reviewed video evidence of her final hours and heard testimony from her husband. Meanwhile, in Atyrau region, search teams found the body of a missing hunter near the Botakhan oilfield, ending days of uncertainty. Germany’s involvement in digital safety discussions also emerged as relevant. The Federal Ministry for Digital and State Modernization, led by Dr. Karsten Wildberger, participated in the 2025 Digital Ministers' Conference, where measures for age-appropriate social media access were finalised. These rules will take effect from December 1, 2025, potentially influencing Kazakhstan’s own approach to online child protection.
The new workplace decoration rules and proposed social media restrictions signal tighter regulations in Kazakhstan. Tokayev’s Japan visit reinforces economic and diplomatic connections, while ongoing trials and the hunter’s tragic death highlight domestic challenges. These developments reflect a mix of policy shifts, international cooperation, and unresolved local issues.
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