Kazakhstan mulls social media age restrictions
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Majilis Deputy Askhat Aimagambetov proposed age restrictions for access to social media during debates on the first reading of the draft Digital Code in the Kazakh parliament’s lower chamber Wednesday, Kazinform News Agency reports.
Aimagambetov stated children aged 5-6 use social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram without parental consent, verification, and other restrictions.
There is a number of countries where such restrictions are applied. For instance, Denmark and Australia introduced a social media ban for children under 15-16, while in the U.S., GB, and Ireland, parental consent and verification is required for social media. What is the position of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and the Ministry of Enlightenment? Such a rule can be introduced under this law," said Aimagambetov.
In addition, the Kazakh deputy touched upon the issue of smartphone use in schools.
Kazakhstan’s NIS, BIL and other top-tier schools stated their position, banning smartphones in schools. The ban has yielded positive results, leading to better communication among children and improved performance," he noted.
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Kazakh Interior Ministry says crimes down 8% in two months of 2026
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Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Tuesday held a meeting with Interior Minister Yerzhan Sadenov, during which he was briefed on the crime situation as well as the implementation of his directives on ensuring public safety and law and order in the country, Qazinform News Agency has learnt from Akorda.
Sadenov reported in two months of this year, the crime rate fell 8 percent or 1,300 fewer reported crimes year on year. A reduction in major crime categories and improvements in crime detection rates were noted.
As part of its systemic fight against online fraud, the country saw a 4 percent decline in the number of cybercrimes thanks to preventive measures and cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies.
In the fight against organized crime, criminal charges were brought against 71 members of organized crime groups, and 11 such groups were eliminated.
Efforts are actively underway to combat drug crime, as five drug laboratories were dismantled. 881.5 kg of drugs were seized, including over 104 kg of synthetic drugs.
The interior minister informed about expanding the implementation of digital solutions to ensure street law and order and road safety, as well as measures to strengthen migration control and ensure the inevitability of punishment.
Sadenov separately noted legislative initiatives aimed at protecting citizens. So, in 2025, Kazakhstan adopted the law on Crime Prevention, criminalizing dropping, stalking, and forced marriage.
Following the meeting, the Head of State set a number of tasks aimed at continuous strengthening of public safety and law and order in the country.
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Kazakhstan appoints new deputy head of Civil Service Affairs Agency
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The Kazakh president relieved Ainur Sergaziyeva of her position as the deputy head of Civil Service Affairs Agency, and replaced her with Ulan Bekish, Qazinform News Agency cites Akorda.
In the first decree, the Head of State removed Ainur Sergaziyeva from the position as the deputy head of the Agency for Civil Service Affairs.
The second decree appoints Ulan Bekish as the new deputy head of the Civil Service Affairs Agency.
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President congratulates Kazakhstanis on Day of Gratitude
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev extended warm wishes to the people of Kazakhstan on the occasion of the Day of Gratitude, Qazinform News Agency learned from the Akorda press service.
In his message of congratulation, the President emphasized the values of mutual respect, compassion, and solidarity as the foundation of the nation’s unity.
To be grateful to the people around you means being ready to help them in difficult times and to offer them spiritual support. In these troubled times, such a tradition is especially important," the Head of State emphasized.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the importance of expressing appreciation to the older generation for preserving the country during years of hardship, as well as to teachers, doctors, cultural workers, entrepreneurs, police officers, firefighters, and all citizens contributing to Kazakhstan’s development through honest labor. The President expressed special gratitude to youth and volunteers, noting their active civic engagement and readiness to help those in need as examples of responsible patriotism.
He also underlined that Kazakhstan is undergoing a historic transformation, with the new draft Constitution, submitted for the referendum, and aimed at strengthening human rights protections, enhancing government accountability, and reinforcing independence and sovereignty.
The new Constitution is a solid foundation for our future, which we are building together," he noted.
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Kazakhstan's Air Astana announces changes to Middle East flights
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Air Astana has announced changes to flights to the Middle East following the closure of Iranian airspace and instability of situation in the region, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Flights KC263 Almaty-Medina, KC897 Almaty-Dubai, KC653 Almaty-Doha, KC205 and KC207 Astana-Dubai have returned to their departure airports.
Flight KC899 Almaty-Dubai was diverted to Delhi.
FlyArystan’s flight FS7617 Aktau-Dubai landed at an alternate airport.
All other flights to the Middle East scheduled for February 28 have been canceled. The Air Astana Group is closely monitoring the situation and working on passenger repatriation.
Passengers are advised to check the status of their flights, in view of possible changes to departure and arrival times at destination airports. Free rebooking and ticket refunds for Jeddah, Medina, and Dubai are allowed at the place of purchase through March 6.
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President Tokayev sets several tasks amid escalating situation in Middle East
President Tokayev ordered Secretary of the Security Council Gizat Nurdauletov, together with the heads of law enforcement agencies and relevant ministries, to submit an emergency measures plan in light of the escalating situation around Iran and the possible emergence of threats to stability within the country, Qazinform News Agency learned from the President's Advisor and Press Secretary Aibek Smadyarov.
In line with the President’s order, all law enforcement agencies have already been placed on round-the-clock duty.
A special monitoring group has begun operating within the Government under the supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Regional governors have been instructed to take measures in consideration of the situation in the Middle East.
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