LEGAL AND EXTRA-LEGAL MECHANISMS OF INTERNET CENSORSHIP IN KAZAKHSTAN.

This article examines internet censorship in Kazakhstan, focusing on the interplay between legal frameworks and extra-legal mechanisms. Drawing on 17 semi-structured interviews with journalists, media experts, and digital rights specialists, thematic analysis, and an analysis of relevant digital leg...

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Publicado en:Asian Affairs Vol. 57; no. 2; pp. 331 - 359
Autor principal: Rakhmetov, Baurzhan
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Taylor & Francis Ltd Jun2026
Materias:
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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        atl: LEGAL AND EXTRA-LEGAL MECHANISMS OF INTERNET CENSORSHIP IN KAZAKHSTAN.
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        au: Rakhmetov, Baurzhan
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        Kazakhstan
        Authoritarianism
        Journalists
        Activists
        Internet users
        Internet censorship
        Regulatory compliance
      sug:
        subj:
          Authoritarianism
          Journalists
          Activists
          Internet users
          Kazakhstan
          Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers
          Independent actors, comedians and performers
          Independent writers and authors
          Internet censorship
          Regulatory compliance
      keyword:
        digital authoritarianism
        extra-legal coercion
        internet censorship
        legal framework
        digital authoritarianism
        extra-legal coercion
        internet censorship
        legal framework
      ab: This article examines internet censorship in Kazakhstan, focusing on the interplay between legal frameworks and extra-legal mechanisms. Drawing on 17 semi-structured interviews with journalists, media experts, and digital rights specialists, thematic analysis, and an analysis of relevant digital legislation, the study demonstrates how the Kazakhstani state systematically combines broad and ambiguously defined laws with prosecution, intimidation, harassment, and co-optation to control online expression. The findings illustrate that while formal regulations provide legitimacy and structure for censorship, informal coercion is crucial for enforcing compliance and fostering self-censorship among journalists, activists, and internet users. By integrating legal and extra-legal methods, Kazakhstan exemplifies a hybrid model of digital authoritarianism, in which control over the internet is achieved not only through regulation but also by shaping the motivations and fears of digital actors. The article contributes to broader debates on digital authoritarianism and authoritarian resilience.
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    language: English
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