In July of 2021, the interim parliament of Kyrgyzstan enacted the law on “False and Inaccurate Information Protection.” Like many countries, platforms and institutions, the guise of “misinformation” is being used to shut down debate and diversity of opinions.
This legislation is an updated version of an earlier proposal and stipulates that an unidentified “authorized state body” can shut down or ban websites carrying material found to be false or inaccurate without a court order if it receives a complaint from either an individual or a formal organization.
Kyrgyzstan’s president signed the new law, despite it violating the constitution and parliamentary process. Following the rejection of an early draft of the law in June, the parliament enacted a substantially modified version in July, violating the six-month waiting period required to reexamine a rejected law.
That this new law protects “a person’s right to honor, dignity and reputation” is open to wide interpretation and can easily be used to censor criticism under the guise of misinformation or defamation.
Those who feel they are libelled by online content have the right to request that content be removed from the web by an “authorized administrative authority” without going to court.
As a result, all internet users have to register their true names and internet providers must submit the information to a state-run “one registry system.”
This enables authorities to monitor, target, and censor individual individuals and blocks their constitutional right to privacy.
This clause might put government opponents on edge, especially those who want to uncover wrongdoing. Unless the disputed content is removed within 24 hours, the whole website or page will be banned. Also, internet service providers will block access to the challenged information.
