Kazakhstan Overhauls National Security Laws to Combat Cybercrime and Extremism
Kazakhstan's lower house of Parliament, the Mazhilis, has approved a draft law aimed at updating national security regulations. The amendments cover the operations of special state agencies, administrative offences, and measures to tackle emerging threats like cybercrime.
The proposed changes also address budget efficiency, recruitment of IT specialists, and stricter penalties for violations involving state secrets. The bill seeks to clarify the powers of national security agencies during crises, states of emergency, and social emergencies. It introduces new rules to combat extremism by banning not just the import, production, and distribution of terrorist materials but also their possession.
To attract skilled personnel, the legislation includes measures to recruit young IT specialists into special state agencies. Deputy Bolat Kerimbek highlighted cybercrime as a growing concern, emphasising the need to protect citizens' rights in the digital space.
Budget savings are another focus. The law proposes cutting relocation costs for military and law enforcement couples and removing travel reimbursements for expelled officers. It also sets out priority admission rules for certain applicants to military and specialised educational institutions.
Tougher penalties are introduced for repeat violations of state secret protection within a year of an initial offence. Additionally, the State Protection Service will gain the authority to issue administrative offence reports for non-compliance with its directives. The amendments now move forward for further approval. If passed, they will reshape how Kazakhstan's special state agencies operate, enforce stricter controls on extremist content, and prioritise cybersecurity.
The changes also aim to streamline budget spending while ensuring stronger safeguards for national security.
