Stories about Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan considers new legislation to hinder social media
New legislative amendments are poised to curtail the activity of social media companies in Kazakhstan. Ostensibly to protect children's rights, the restrictions could enhance government snooping.
Kazakhstan news site receives threats after reigniting a child abuse story
Journalists in Kazakhstan are often under pressure for their work. A harrowing about child abuse is now the target of fresh threats against a news outlet.
Blogger gets prison sentence for branding Kazakhstan's language policies “russophobic”
According to Taichimbekov, the Kazakh state has been "sourcing Russian individuals who speak out in favor of banning Russian television, banning Russian language, excluding it from the Constitution."
Devices of journalists, government officials in Kazakhstan hacked and spied on
Journalist Serikzhan Mauletbai found himself on a list of people targeted by Israeli-made spyware the government of Kazakhstan bought. The current president and prime minister are also on the list.
More internet security for many, not for Central Asians
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are among the few countries that will not enjoy a new privacy tool unveiled by US giant tech company Apple for its users. Apple's focus in 2021 is privacy. On its website, the company states that “Privacy is a fundamental human right.” Yet this policy comes with...
Kazakhstan pauses interception of encrypted traffic, but for how long?
This was the authorities’ third attempt to enforce the use of a “national security certificate.” Although the authorities have relented, there are signs that it won’t be the last.
#FreeSerikjan and the long shadow of Xinjiang's camps in neighbouring Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan's government is nervous about what Seikjan Bilash is doing, and will happen if his popularity grows.
Kazakhstan silences the Xinjiang megaphone
“I have one issue – and that issue is Xinjiang.”
Arrested for fact-checking: Kazakh court fines Ukrainian journalist after police break up media workshop
The incident highlights the authorities' aversion to discussions of Ukraine in Kazakhstan.
Kyrgyzstan Blocks Archive.org on ‘Extremism’ Grounds
Russia also moved to block the website and its popular 'Wayback Machine' two years ago.
Whale-Themed ‘Suicide Groups’ Present Opportunity for Internet Crackdown in Central Asia
Despite no clear link to actual suicides in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, authorities are dreaming up restrictions.
‘The Long Arm of the Kremlin': Kazakh Man Goes to Prison for Insulting Vladimir Putin on Facebook
With traditional media in the country heavily restricted, social media is an obvious forum for information warfare between the Kazakh nationalists and ethnic Russians.
Social Media Sites Blocked in Kazakhstan on 25th Anniversary of Independence
Activists reported that Facebook, YouTube, and other social media websites were inaccessible in Kazakhstan on Friday, the 25th anniversary of the country's independence from the Soviet Union.
Internet Freedom Declines in Russia and Ukraine, Improves in Belarus
Russia, Belarus and the Central Asian states were all rated "not free" in Freedom House's 2016 "Freedom on the Web" report.
Facebook Lands More People in Trouble in Kazakhstan
'Kazakhstan has drawn criticism ... for what media rights advocates have described as the excessively punitive libel damages sometimes levelled at journalists.'
Netizen Report: Scholars in Colombia, Kazakhstan Face Legal Challenges for Sharing Research
As academic freedoms wane from Kazakhstan to Colombia, a Dutch court goes after Facebook, and the tech industry says cheerio to the UK.
Netizen Report: Kyrgyz News Site Censored in Central Asia for ISIS Coverage
This week, Japan cracks down on whistleblowers, Sweden pounces on the Pirate Bay and Spain's "Google tax" shows its teeth.
Fear of ISIS Threatens Media Freedom in Kyrgyzstan
A Kyrgyz media outlet refused government requests to delete a reposted video of Kazakh children training in ISIS camps. Now it is partly blocked in both countries.
Kazakh Authorities Censor Videos of Children in ISIS Training Camps
Videos of Kazakh children in ISIS training camps have gone viral. Now the government is engaged in a futile damage limitation exercise.
Some Kazakh Bloggers Dine With Mayor, Some Get Jail Terms
Three Kazakh bloggers have been sentenced to 10 days in jail for protesting outside a restaurant where a mayor was meeting with other local bloggers.
