Kazakhstan considers using AI to verify social media users’ age

Kazakhstan is considering the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to verify the age of users of online platforms. The new rules are being developed as part of measures to restrict social media registration for children under the age of 16, El.kz reports, citing a response by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov to a parliamentary inquiry.

The proposed amendments are currently under consideration by the Kurultai. Following the adoption of the law, the Ministry of Culture and Information, jointly with the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, will be responsible for developing procedures for verifying users’ age.

One of the options under consideration is the use of AI. Such systems could provide an approximate age assessment based on facial images, as well as analyse the nature of content, subscriptions and account activity.

At the same time, the mechanism is expected to be designed in a way that ensures age verification does not require the disclosure of unnecessary personal data. Specific technical solutions have not yet been determined.

A separate transition period will be established to allow users and online platforms to comply with the new requirements. The authorities are also considering the possibility of temporarily suspending existing accounts belonging to users under the age of 16.

The rules are expected to be discussed with representatives of online platforms operating in Kazakhstan. Further details of the restrictions will be developed through working groups involving members of the Kurultai.

Earlier, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev supported the proposal to restrict social media registration for children under the age of 16. According to the President, digital platforms, artificial intelligence and aggressive marketing are having an increasingly significant impact on the worldview of adolescents.