JAKARTA - Kyrgyzstan blocks access to pornographic sites and imposes state control over internet traffic under a new law signed by President Sadyr Japarov.
The Japarov office said the ban on access to pornography was aimed at "protecting moral and ethical values" in Kyrgyzstan, where the majority of the population is Muslim.
Reported by Reuters, the law requires internet providers to block websites based on the Ministry of Culture's decision. Violators will be fined.
Kyrgyzstan, once the most democratic country in Central Asia, has experienced increased pressure on opposition groups and independent media since Japarov, a populist and nationalist, seized power amid a wave of protests in 2020.
He made protection against what he called the traditional values of Kyrgyzstan the core of his agenda.
On Tuesday 29 July, Japarov signed a decree imposing a state monopoly on international internet traffic.
Under the decree, state-owned telecommunications company ElCat will be the only international internet traffic provider in Kyrgyzstan for a year-long probationary period, starting on August 15.
SEE ALSO:
-
| BERITA
AS-China Lanjutkan Perundingan di Stockholm Redakan Permusuhan Tarif Dagang
29 Juli 2025, 17:35
All other Kyrgyzstan telecommunication operators will be required to transfer their international broadband contracts to ElCat within two months.
"This decision only adds to the growing role of the country at the expense of market freedom in Kyrgyzstan," he said.
Emil Juraev, a political analyst based in Bishkek.
The move comes ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for 2026, and presidential elections scheduled for 2027.
Japarov, whose allies dominate the legislature, hinted at running for presidential election nomination.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
