Kazakhstan passes new Internet law

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    Date: 
    25 June 2009

    Kazakh lawmakers have approved new internet legislation that media rights activists say will limit freedom of speech in the Central Asian nation.

    The Bill would subject internet outlets - such as chat rooms, blogs and online stores - to the same criminal prosecution currently applied to traditional media.

    Foreign websites deemed to be in breach of Kazakh law could also be blocked.

    Authorities said the legislation aims to curb the distribution of child pornography, extremist literature and other unsuitable material.