The global digital landscape is witnessing an unprecedented tightening of regulations concerning digital content and user protection. Kazakhstan has enacted a new law requiring individuals and companies to clearly label AI-generated content, while Australia has banned approximately 4.7 million social media accounts belonging to individuals under the age of 16. This action comes just one month after implementing the world’s first legislation of its kind restricting minors’ use of such platforms.
In Kazakhstan, the Center for Combating Media Disinformation announced that failing to classify AI-generated content constitutes a breach of transparency and accountability principles. It emphasized that the use of these technologies should not mislead people or distort their perception of reality, and that human well-being and freedom of decision-making remain a priority.
The law stipulates financial penalties for violators. For a first offense, individuals face a fine of 64,875 tenge, while small businesses and non-profit organizations face a fine of 86,500 tenge. Fines can reach 129,750 tenge for medium-sized companies and 432,500 tenge for large corporations.
Penalties escalate if a violation is repeated within a year, rising to 129,750 tenge for individuals, 216,250 tenge for small businesses, and 302,750 tenge for medium-sized companies. The law also prohibits the creation of digital systems that could be exploited to violate human rights, including the collection of biometric data without individuals’ consent.
Meanwhile, new legislation in Australia has compelled social media companies to delete millions of minor accounts. Approximately 4.7 million accounts belonging to individuals under 16 have been banned following the law’s enforcement, which took effect on December 10th.
The internet regulatory authority confirmed that this action reflects compliance with the law and an effort to avoid potential fines, which could reach 49.5 million Australian dollars. Data revealed that the number of banned accounts exceeded prior estimates based on demographic data before the law’s passage, demonstrating the immediate impact of the decision on digital platform policies.
These global measures reflect the trend towards regulating digital content and protecting users from misinformation and abuse, whether through artificial intelligence or social media platforms. They emphasize transparency and respect for the digital rights of both children and adults.
