Bishkek
Kyrgyzstan has officially banned access to online pornography and implemented strict state control over international internet traffic, according to new legislation signed by President Sadyr Japarov on Tuesday.
The government stated that the move aims to “protect moral and ethical values” in the predominantly Muslim Central Asian nation of 7 million people. Under the new law, internet service providers must block pornographic websites based on decisions made by the Ministry of Culture. Non-compliance will result in financial penalties.
In a separate decree also signed Tuesday, the government has introduced a state monopoly over international internet bandwidth. Starting August 15, state-run telecom operator ElCat will become the sole provider of international internet access for a one-year trial period. All other telecom companies in the country are required to transfer their contracts for global bandwidth to ElCat within two months.
Political analysts view these developments as a tightening of government control ahead of key national elections. “This decision only adds to the growing role of the state at the expense of market freedom in Kyrgyzstan,” said Bishkek-based political analyst Emil Juraev. Once regarded as Central Asia’s most democratic nation, Kyrgyzstan has seen increased restrictions on opposition groups and independent media since Japarov rose to power following a wave of protests in 2020. Japarov has positioned the defense of “traditional Kyrgyz values” as a core policy focus as he prepares for the upcoming 2026 parliamentary elections and the 2027 presidential race, in which he is expected to run for re-election.
