Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Digital Development confirmed the blocking of access to the TikTok social media platform. This decision was prompted by a directive from the State Committee for National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The ministry cited Article 2-1 of the Kyrgyz Republic's Law "On measures to prevent harm to the health of children, and physical, intellectual, mental, spiritual and moral development in the Kyrgyz Republic," as the legal grounds for the action. This article delineates harmful content to children's health and development, which TikTok allegedly violates.
A statement from the ministry indicated that the Service for Regulation and Supervision in the Communications Industry had issued a directive to internet service providers mandating restrictions on TikTok access.
Before this decision, the Service for Regulation and Supervision in the Communications Industry had urged internet providers to limit access to TikTok. This action was prompted by concerns raised in a letter from the State Committee for National Security regarding the lack of systematic and principled content censorship on the platform, particularly concerning children's content in the Kyrgyz segment of TikTok.
The Ministry of Culture previously petitioned the Ministry of Digital Development to block TikTok, highlighting concerns from various non-governmental organizations about the platform's adverse effects on children's mental development and health.
The decision to block TikTok elicited widespread discussion and concern among both the public and experts. Some argue that the ban could negatively impact small and medium-sized businesses, impede freedom of speech and democracy, and limit opportunities for youth self-expression in the Kyrgyz Republic.
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