Journalism watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said it is concerned over a decision by Kyrgyz authorities to block the TikTok video-sharing platform in the Central Asian nation as of April 18.
In a statement issued on X, formerly Twitter, RSF accused Kyrgyz authorities of restricting the right to accessing information online "under the pretext of protecting minors."
"RFS calls on the [Kyrgyz] government to lift this arbitrary blocking and define a clear legal framework to regulate platforms," the statement said.
Media reports in Kyrgyzstan quoted several Internet providers as saying they received an instruction letter from the Digital Development Ministry of mandating the restriction of access to TikTok as of April 18.
The ministry confirmed the reports saying the move was made at the request of the State Committee for National Security (UKMK) that claimed information shared by TikTok "violated" Kyrgyzstan's law on the prevention of physical and emotional damage to the health of children.
Kyrgyzstan used to be the most open nation in Central Asia with vibrant independent media and social society institutions. Since current President Sadyr Japarov took over a nation that once was called "an island of democracy in Central Asia," the situation has worsened with independent journalists being arrested and restrictive bills being adopted.
In early April, Japarov signed into law the bill of "foreign representatives" that many in the country and abroad criticized as a replica of Russia’s repressive law on "foreign agents" that Moscow has used for years to muzzle dissent and free press.
The reports about Kyrgyzstan's move to block TikTok came one day after Russia’s Association of Professional Social Media and Messenger Users (APPSIM) called on the Roskomnadzor media watchdog to block TikTok as well.
The APPSIM asked Roskomnadzor to check if TikTok complies with Russia's 2019 law on localizing users’ data.
According to APPSIM, TikTok's blocking in Russia will increase the number of subscribers to Russian social media platforms by 30 million people.