AZE.US
Azerbaijan may temporarily restrict access to websites and online resources that publish information banned by law.
The proposal is included in draft amendments to the law “On Information, Informatization and Protection of Information,” discussed at a joint meeting of the parliamentary committees on legal policy and state-building, and labor and social policy.
Under the draft, if legally banned information is published on an online resource, access to that website or its relevant sections may be temporarily restricted by a decision of the relevant executive authority.
The restrictions would apply to content related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, pornography, including child pornography, information harmful to children, and materials that contradict public morality.
The list also includes content promoting illegal gambling and betting, information encouraging or promoting suicide, insults and defamation, violations of privacy, and false information that could pose a threat to public safety.
Separately, Azerbaijan is also considering tougher penalties for illegal online gambling. The issue is reflected in proposed amendments to the Criminal Code.
Under the proposal, organizing illegal gambling through the internet, mobile applications, social media platforms or other online tools may lead to stricter punishment.
If such activities involve allowing minors to participate in gambling, offenders may face a fine of up to twice the amount of income obtained, as well as restriction of liberty or imprisonment for a period of two to four years.
Legal experts say such violations have increasingly moved into the online space in recent years. Illegal gambling platforms often use websites, mobile apps and social networks, making control more difficult and increasing risks for minors.
Experts also say that tougher penalties should be accompanied by stronger parental control and public awareness campaigns in the media and on social networks. According to them, children and teenagers must be better protected from being drawn into online gambling.
The proposed changes therefore cover two related areas: temporary restrictions on online resources for banned content and stronger liability for the illegal organization of online gambling.
AZE.US