Azerbaijan is implementing stricter regulations on online content, with new measures targeting websites that disseminate illegal information.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, President Ilham Aliyev has approved amendments to the Criminal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Law on Information, Informatization, and Protection of Information.
Under the new legislation, access to internet resources may be temporarily restricted by the relevant executive authority if they host prohibited content. This includes information regarding the production or use of narcotics, psychotropic substances, and their precursors, as well as locations for the cultivation of drug-containing plants. Furthermore, the law targets content that constitutes defamation, insults, or violates the privacy of individuals. Restrictions will also apply to false information that threatens public safety, endangers life and health, causes significant property damage, or disrupts the operation of critical infrastructure, including financial, transport, energy, and social facilities.
The legislation also introduces severe penalties for illegal gambling activities. Specifically, gambling offenses will face criminal prosecution if committed:
- Virtually, including via the internet, mobile networks, social media platforms, or other electronic communication technologies;
- By involving minors;
- By a group of persons acting in collusion;
- By generating significant income.
These offenses are punishable by restricted liberty or imprisonment for a term of two to four years, alongside fines up to double the income derived from the crime. If committed by an organized criminal group or if the activity generates large-scale income, the penalty increases to three to five years of restricted liberty or imprisonment.
In a related development, President Ilham Aliyev has issued a decree instructing the Cabinet of Ministers to develop proposals within seven months for the creation of an information system titled "Control over Prohibited Information." This system is intended to utilize artificial intelligence and other technical tools to automatically detect and prevent the dissemination of restricted content across online platforms.
These legislative changes reflect Azerbaijan's ongoing efforts to enhance cybersecurity and protect the digital information space from harmful and criminal activities, aligning national regulations with evolving technological challenges.
