Kazakhstan moves to regulate AI to protect critical thinking and combat risks

Lawmakers propose measures addressing cognitive decline, deepfake threats, and data security

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Kazakhstan is advancing efforts to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) amid concerns that overreliance on AI tools could impair cognitive development, especially among children. 

A draft AI regulation law was introduced in the Mazhilis, the lower house of parliament, aiming to safeguard critical thinking skills and tackle AI-related risks.

According to Kursive, parliamentarian Ekaterina Smyshlyayeva, who authored the draft law, highlighted research suggesting that frequent AI use can erode cognitive abilities. 

“AI assistants can help with basic tasks, but critical thinking—distinguishing truth from falsehoods and sourcing additional information—must remain essential,” Smyshlyayeva said.

The proposed legislation seeks to update educational standards, emphasizing critical evaluation over simple information retrieval. 

If restrictions on AI usage are introduced, parents will bear responsibility for ensuring compliance among children.

The draft law also addresses concerns over deepfakes, which can manipulate public opinion and facilitate fraud. 

While Kazakhstan currently penalizes harmful deepfake content, there are no specific penalties for creating or distributing such material. 

A dedicated task force will review the matter within a month.

To ensure balanced regulation, lawmakers propose categorizing AI-related risks as minimal, medium, or high, with significant public or state security implications subject to stricter controls. 

Other key measures include the establishment of a state-funded national AI development platform and strengthened personal data protection protocols.

The draft also mandates that AI developers inform users when they are interacting with AI technologies. 

“We want to implement this without stifling innovation,” Smyshlyayeva added.

A task force comprising 150 members, including MPs, government officials, and AI experts, is shaping the legislation, reflecting Kazakhstan’s commitment to ethical AI advancement. 

This initiative underscores the nation’s proactive approach to addressing the societal impacts of emerging technologies.