The Central Asian country's long-reigning president Nursultan Nazarbayev, 77, had signed into law amendments "aimed at improving legislation on information and communication issues," his office said on Thursday.
Among the changes that have alarmed journalists and civil rights activists was one demanding news websites identify users posting comments under articles and retain their data for a period of three months.
Another controversial amendment obliges journalists to receive permission from persons mentioned in their articles to publish information that could be classified as "personal, family, medical, banking, commercial and other legally protected secrets."
Kazakhstan-based media rights group Adil Soz this month called the new legislation "a law to protect corrupt officials" that makes media "defenceless against baseless accusations."
Kazakhstan's government had journalists and civil activists involved in the discussion of the law but ultimately ignored key objections.
The law earlier sailed through both houses in Kazakhstan's parliament.
Nazarbayev has ruled over Kazakhstan with very little opposition since before independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Source: AFP via i-Net bridge.
For more than two decades, I-Net Bridge has been one of South Africa’s preferred electronic providers of innovative solutions, data of the highest calibre, reliable platforms and excellent supporting systems. Our products include workstations, web applications and data feeds packaged with in-depth news and powerful analytical tools empowering clients to make meaningful decisions.
We pride ourselves on our wide variety of in-house skills, encompassing multiple platforms and applications. These skills enable us to not only function as a first class facility, but also design, implement and support all our client needs at a level that confirms I-Net Bridge a leader in its field.
Go to: http://www.inet.co.za
