INFORMATION DOCTRINE
OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

On approval of the Information Doctrine of the Republic of Kazakhstan
March 20, 2023
RESOLVE:

1. Approve the attached Information Doctrine of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

2. The Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan within three months to develop and approve the Action Plan for the implementation of the Information Doctrine of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

3. This Decree shall enter into force from the date of its signing.

The president

Republic of Kazakhstan K.Tokaev


Astana, Akorda, March 20, 2023

No. 145


APPROVED
by the Decree of the President
of the Republic of Kazakhstan
dated March 20, 2023
No. 145


INFORMATION DOCTRINE
OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

• Content
• Section 1 Introduction
• Section 2. Analysis of the current situation
• Section 3. Basic Provisions
• 3.1. Goals and principles
• 3.2. Vision for the development of the information space
• 3.3. Approaches to the development of the information space
• 3.3.1. Improvement of information policy
• 3.3.2. Increasing the competitiveness and quality of domestic information content
• 3.3.3. Value content of the information space
• Section 4. Conclusion

Section 1 Introduction

The development and provision of sustainable functioning and security of the country’s single information space is one of the basic priorities of the state policy.

Within the framework of this direction, a set of tasks is being solved related to the formation of an open information space, popular and strong media, ensuring the freedom of speech guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the right of everyone to freely receive and disseminate information in any way not prohibited by law.

At the same time, the new reality in the information sphere and the emerging threats to information security require a rethinking of approaches to the implementation of state information policy, a change in the general paradigm of the relationship between state institutions and other subjects of public relations in the information sphere.

Today, the world is entering a new stage of its development. The process of globalization continues, intensified by the increasingly dynamic development of the information sphere. The development of technologies, the massive penetration of new digital and information, and communication tools have radically transformed the modern media space.

Geopolitical turbulence and growing mutual distrust in the international political arena force us to take a fresh look at the issues of information interaction. The issues of disseminating reliable information, counteracting false and manipulative information, and, in general, increasing public confidence in the media (hereinafter referred to as the media) are becoming increasingly relevant.

Solving the problems of political modernization and further democratization of public life is connected with the need to liberalize the information sphere, abandon excessive regulation of relations in the media sphere, and strengthen guarantees of freedom of speech and expression.

They are based on the awareness of the importance of the functioning of competitive and free media with their own view of the processes taking place in Kazakhstan, the region, and the world. The true information security and ideological sovereignty of the country depends on this.

There is also a growing demand for the formation of an integral system of national values and political and social outlook, especially in the context of historical turbulence.

In this regard, the Republic of Kazakhstan, as a full member of the global information ecosystem, is faced with the task of developing clear information and communication imperatives and value orientations that reflect the essence of the country’s national interests in this area.

The implementation of this strategic task requires the development of a document of a doctrinal, ideological nature, which makes it possible to determine the main vector and basic approaches of the state information policy for the long term.

The information doctrine (hereinafter – the doctrine) represents a system of views on the development of the domestic information sphere, principles, and mechanisms for increasing its openness and competitiveness. The doctrine will also determine the ideological and value orientations that meet the interests of the people and contribute to the further development of the state and society.

Being a fundamental document for the formation of state policy in the information and communication sphere, the doctrine is designed to ensure a balance between the interests of society and the state, the creation of equal conditions for the exercise of rights by all subjects of the media process.

The key direction in the implementation of the doctrine is to ensure the information security of the country and its citizens, timely response to information challenges and risks.

Section 2. Analysis of the current situation


During the years of independence, the information policy of Kazakhstan has gone through several stages of its development. From the beginning of the 1990s to the beginning of the 2000s, there was a tendency for the domestic television and print industry to actively develop. During this period, the state information policy was aimed at supporting the domestic media, while adhering to the principle of equidistance from all subjects of the media industry.

In the period of 2000-2010, with the development of domestic media, the emergence of major players seeking to dominate the information dissemination market, the state information policy was aimed at regulating and strengthening the methods of regulating the media industry.

Over the past few years, the national media space has been undergoing a gradual but significant transformation. With the advent of new communication channels, the culture of media consumption has changed with further segmentation of the audience. The gradual erasing of the boundaries of the information environment has expanded the range of factors influencing the mass consciousness.

Meanwhile, the imperfection of communication mechanisms in the system of relations “state – society – citizen” prevents the full implementation of the principle of information openness.

The declared information openness of state and public institutions requires a revision of approaches to planning and conducting information work and the exclusion of manifestations of formalism.

An assessment of law enforcement practice shows that society is poorly informed about its right to access information, and the level of information literacy of the population is low. This, combined with low

the effectiveness of mechanisms to counter information stuffing contributes to a distorted perception of events by consumers and forms erroneous behavioral attitudes.

The danger of spreading provocative and defamatory content in the media space using various manipulative technologies underlines the importance of ensuring the information security of citizens, especially minors.

In addition, with the spread of “neural network” and “deepfake” technologies, there is a risk of false video and audio content being thrown into the media space.

In general, the openness of the information space revealed the lag of the media industry of the republic from global trends, which makes it difficult for domestic media to compete with foreign ones even in the domestic information field. Against this background, the issue of the influence of Kazakh-language information resources on the formation of public consciousness is highly relevant.

An analysis of the development of the information space of the Republic of Kazakhstan shows the need to take measures to protect the domestic information environment from external destructive influences, disinformation, which negatively affect the value and ideological attitudes of citizens and pose a threat to domestic political stability.

At the same time, the development of the domestic media industry in the context of certain types of media has its own characteristics:

1. Today, for more than 9% of citizens, print media remain the main source of information. At the same time, there is a direct dependence of interest in reading newspapers on age – the older the person, the more often he reads print media. The transition of a wide audience to alternative communication channels indicates that public interest in print media is steadily declining.

A similar situation can be traced in television and radio broadcasting. But at the same time, the gap in the level of popularity is especially noticeable in the context of regions at the level of local television, which is largely due to the low level of monetization and the quality of the content offered to the population.

The main television content is filled with series and talk shows of an entertaining nature. There is a shortage of analytical programs, investigative journalism, and vibrant journalism – important components of media recognition, a factor in increasing the media literacy of the population and forming a critical attitude towards the content consumed.

In general, the technical base of all subjects of the TV and radio broadcasting sector needs serious modernization.

However, television and radio remain among the most influential sources of information with the widest audience. In addition, they are a tool for solving the problems of promptly informing the population in emergency situations, allow reaching the most remote points of the country and enable people to keep abreast of events taking place in the country and the world.

It should be noted that domestic television and radio stations have the potential to compete with foreign media giants with due attention. At the same time, there is a noticeable positive dynamics in the growth of content in the state language, and in the medium term, this trend will only intensify.

2. In recent years, Internet resources have been gaining wide popularity among domestic media, but the issue of producing high-quality content in the state language also remains relevant here.

At the same time, online media began to prevail only in the format of news feeds. Along with the creation of specialized news materials, the development of authorial and investigative journalism remains relevant. The promptness of informing the population on the ground is still not ensured, including due to the lack of professional personnel competent in matters of convergent and multimedia journalism.

The positioning of online media, mainly as news aggregators, also contributed to the migration of content consumers to social media.

Another topical issue in this direction is the limited market. In a country with a population of 19 million It is very difficult for online media to monetize their work, which also negatively affects the competencies of domestic journalists.

3. Thanks to the development of the mobile Internet, social networks have become the main source of information for at least half of the country’s population, and mostly young people (sociological surveys in 2021 showed that 45.2% of respondents prefer to receive information in social media).

The development of global messengers and online platforms has radically changed the architecture of the media industry. There is a high increase in the politicization of some social networks, which are becoming one of the sources of disinformation.

The emergence of social networks and instant messengers in the media market has fundamentally changed the process of information exchange, allowing the consumer to receive information online. Social networks have become the main communication channel and content distribution environment, which has led to a decrease in the share of information consumption through traditional media. The COVID-19 pandemic has further strengthened the position of social media.

With the development of instant messengers, the emergence of the phenomenon of blogging, the classical concept of traditional journalism, and methods of informing the audience have undergone a transformation.

At the moment, the audiences of some bloggers can compete with the audiences of individual media in terms of numbers. At the same time, there is a trend of turning the blogosphere into an alternative channel for obtaining socio-political information.

Technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are growing in popularity and will allow integration with social media to provide a richer consumer experience.

At the same time, the popularity of short and uncluttered content in the form of a text fragment or a video fragment leads to a change in media consumption habits, when the mass audience ceases to perceive complex and structured information.

Perception of the flow of information through short and vivid images does not give a holistic view, leads to fragmentation of knowledge. In the absence of critical thinking skills, this creates risks of large-scale disinformation and manipulation of public opinion.

Section 3. Basic Provisions

3.1. Goals and principles


The goals of this doctrine are to ensure the information security and ideological sovereignty of the country, building an information policy that meets modern trends and challenges, aimed at consolidating society and strengthening civic identity.

At the same time, the doctrine defines the following basic principles for the interaction of all participants in the information sphere:

freedom of speech. The doctrine adheres to the principle of protecting freedom of speech and pluralism of opinions as a fundamental factor in the unity and consolidation of Kazakhstanis;

• access to the information. The doctrine proceeds from the right of every citizen, guaranteed by the state and enshrined in the Constitution, the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan, to freely receive and disseminate information in any way not prohibited by law;
• direction for development. One of the key objectives of the doctrine is to create conditions for the continuous development and qualitative growth of the entire information space, as well as to increase the competitiveness and demand for domestic media products among citizens;
• trust and confidentiality. Participants in the media process broadcasting information, including the media, should be interested in providing objective and reliable information without elements of distortion and manipulation. All measures should be aimed at increasing the level of trust between all participants in the communication process. At the same time, the doctrine supports the right of everyone to privacy, personal and family secrets, protection of their honor and dignity;
• ensuring information security. The development of the national information space and the formation of a competitive domestic media sphere should become a key factor in countering and reducing the consequences of external challenges, as well as a basic condition for the sustainable development of the industry.

3.2. Vision for the development of the information space


In the information space, a balance of interests of all participants in the media process is ensured.

Legal and institutional mechanisms of regulation and support ensure the dynamic functioning of the domestic media sphere.

Fundamental spiritual and moral, traditional values in the public mind determine the main ideological vector in the information space.

A stable immunity to destructive, manipulative, and inaccurate content has been formed in society, an effective system has been created to protect the information space from external threats.

Citizens have a high level of media and information literacy.

Independent authoritative domestic media produce high-quality content that allows them to compete in the global media market.

The state information policy corresponds to the current trends in the development of the information space, creating prerequisites and conditions for dynamic development.

3.3. Approaches to the development of the information space

Given that Kazakhstan is part of the world community, the state information policy will imply a systematic response to changing world processes and trends, as well as the active introduction of new tools in accordance with national interests.

At the same time, a balanced and pragmatic view is needed here, taking into account the real conditions both on the external and internal contours of Kazakhstan’s development.

The measures taken as part of the implementation of the doctrine in a complex should contribute to increasing the competitiveness of domestic information products and the entire sphere as a whole; ensuring the dominance of national values in the main political and ideological directions of the information field; development of effective mechanisms to contain external information influence; building up a high-quality information presence at the international level; improvement of the regulatory legal framework of the industry.

The main approaches to the development of the information space:

• improvement of information policy;
• increasing the competitiveness and quality of domestic information content;
• valuable content of the information space.

3.3.1. Improvement of information policy

The state information policy will ensure:

• 1) promotion of national interests in the internal and external information field;
• 2) maintaining and developing a competitive and secure national information space, strengthening local media;
• 3) the transformation of Kazakhstan into a regional information hub, the formation of a unified strategy for regional integration;
• 4) strengthening equal and mutually beneficial relations with international information companies of practical interest to Kazakhstan;
• 5) observance of the balance of interests, rights and freedoms of citizens, society and the state, their mutual responsibility;
• 6) effective interaction between the state and society in matters of ensuring dominance in the domestic information space, responding to threats of negative information impact and combating false narratives;
• 7) introduction of modern methods of information security risk management;
• 8) improvement of mechanisms for counteracting external information attacks, the spread of destructive ideology, propaganda and disinformation;
• 9) formation of an optimal model of partnership between the state and the media, including mechanisms to stimulate the development of the media industry;
• 10) adoption of legislative measures to ensure the transparency of the activities of new subjects of the media sphere (Internet platforms, social networks, influencers, etc.);
• 11) creating conditions for the development of industry journalism and institutions for self-regulation of journalistic activities;
• 12) ensuring the right of everyone to equal access to information held by the state, which can be limited only by laws and only to the extent necessary to protect the constitutional order, protect public order, human rights and freedoms, health and morality population.

3.3.2. Increasing the competitiveness and quality of domestic information content


In order to increase the competitiveness of domestic media, the formation of high-quality domestic content, and increase its demand, it is planned:

• 1) increasing the share of domestic information product with analytical content, which contributes to the development of critical thinking among the population, the formation of stable moral guidelines;
• 2) support for information projects of a scientific, educational, cultural, educational, leisure and other nature for various target groups of the population, focused on increasing the competitiveness of the nation and strengthening the image of the state;
• 3) stimulating the entry of domestic producers of information products into foreign markets;
• 4) creating conditions for improving the professional skills of journalists and influencers;
• 5) mastering new information trends and digital technologies;
• 6) reducing the gap in access to the Internet between urban and rural areas;
• 7) continuation of the telecommunications infrastructure development policy and the introduction of modern domestic technical standards in the field of information and television and radio broadcasting.

3.3.3. Value content of the information space


The basis of the worldview attitudes broadcast through various media channels should be ideas that correspond to the positions of Kazakhstan on the world stage, conveying to every citizen the basic values of our society.

The ideological component of the state information policy will be aimed at consolidating society, strengthening moral principles, as well as adherence to the following national values:

• 1) independence and patriotism as the main value of Kazakhstani society. Thanks to independence, society and the individual have the opportunity for free and harmonious development. Patriotism is manifested not only in the readiness of citizens to stand up for independence, but also in the awareness of personal responsibility for the present and future of the country;
• 2) justice, rule of law and zero tolerance for corruption. The key to the successful development of the country is the formation of fair relations in society, economy and politics. It is necessary to constantly improve the legal culture. Law and order is the main condition for the realization of political, civil, cultural rights of every citizen. Freedom of speech, combined with the prohibition of censorship and civil liability, must remain the main engine for the development of the information sphere;
• 3) state language, history and culture. The state language is a consolidating factor. It is necessary to constantly improve the quality of Kazakh-language content and expand the area of its distribution. National history and culture are the source of the creative energy of society. The cultivation of these values creates a solid foundation of mutual understanding and unity in society, forming the contours of a common future;
• 4) diligence and desire for knowledge. These values are the basis of professionalism and competence, being the key to personal success and the well-being of society. In our society, the working man must become a role model;
• 5) family values and child protection. In the family, the foundations of moral education, the continuity of traditions and the preservation of the cultural code of the nation are laid. The information policy is aimed at strengthening the traditional institution of the family, ensuring a happy childhood;
• 6) creativity and progressiveness. The energy and talent of citizens is a key factor in the development of the country. Creation of conditions for the disclosure of creative abilities and self-realization of citizens will give dynamics to the creative power of the people;
• 7) respect for nature, the environment. Sustainability is a strategically important life principle for all citizens, the state and business. The inculcation of ecological thinking should become a key direction of information policy.

Section 4. Conclusion


This doctrine is a conceptual document that reflects the philosophy and spirit of the formation of modern state information policy.

The implementation of the doctrine will make it possible to solve many of the problems outlined in the document, prevent possible risks and build a systemic policy in this super-dynamic industry.

Compliance with the basic principles of interaction of all subjects of public relations in the information sphere declared by the doctrine will bring the country’s media industry to a qualitatively new, competitive level of development.

The result of the implementation of the doctrine should be the formation of the domestic information space as an organic and equivalent part of the global media market.

The achievement of the goals and implementation of the tasks of the doctrine will be facilitated by the active involvement of civil society institutions, the media and other subjects of the information space of Kazakhstan. Without conscious and responsible support of public institutions, it is impossible to ensure full-fledged information sovereignty.

The most important components of this doctrine are the fundamental values that will determine the vector and content of information policy in the long term, contributing to the consolidation of society and the strengthening of civic identity.

The doctrine will improve the state mechanism for countering disinformation, create an effective system of communications between all participants in the information process, and will contribute to solving the problems of the information sphere as part of the course towards building a Just Kazakhstanpools?