Kyrgyzstan Bans Online Porn, Imposes State Internet Control

Kyrgyzstan, under President Sadyr Japarov, has enacted new laws banning access to online pornography and imposing state control over internet traffic to protect what Japarov describes as traditional moral and ethical values in the predominantly Muslim country. The legislation mandates internet providers to block websites upon decisions by the ministry of culture, with fines imposed on violators. Additionally, Japarov signed a decree granting the state-owned telecom company ElCat a monopoly on international internet traffic for a one-year trial starting August 15, requiring other operators to transfer their international bandwidth contracts to ElCat. This move has been criticized by analysts as increasing state control at the expense of market freedom amid a broader crackdown on opposition groups and independent media since Japarov's rise to power in 2020. The actions occur ahead of upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections, with Japarov signaling intentions to run again. The consolidation of internet control and censorship reflects Japarov's agenda to enforce traditional Kyrgyz values and tighten state influence over communications.