Filming rules may be tightened for everyone in Kazakhstan due to bloggers

Tengrinews.kz – Kazakhstan’s Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva was asked whether the country truly plans to ban filming people in public places.
Journalists approached the minister in the Senate and asked about possible amendments to the Mass Media Law. Balayeva said the issue is currently being discussed by a working group and invited media representatives to participate. According to her, the potential restrictions are partly related to prank bloggers who film people without their knowledge.

"We don’t want to ban anything. We want to set limits in situations where people are filmed everywhere without permission. It’s clear that when officials or civil servants carry out their duties, filming is expected. But there are pranks and various types of recordings made without the consent of individuals. That’s why we will discuss this norm, as the working group is just being formed. If you want, I can include all of you so that we can understand the boundaries — who can be filmed, who cannot, and how filming should be done," Balayeva said.

The proposed rule would require asking each individual for permission if they appear in the frame. Without consent, filming and publishing photos or videos would not be allowed. According to the minister, many Kazakhstani citizens complain to authorities about cases where their images are taken and shared without consent.
"It looks like officials want to protect themselves again…" noted journalists.

"Officials — people are used to filming us everywhere. We no longer have private lives, no relatives, because wherever we go, we are filmed. But we are also human beings and citizens of this country. The issue is not about officials specifically — it’s about regulating this sphere overall. So let’s discuss it. We are forming a working group that will consider the concerns of both journalists and ordinary citizens," said Balayeva

Context
In Kazakhstan, filming in public places is generally allowed, but using someone’s image without consent is restricted. You may record video or take photos, but publishing them without a person’s permission is not allowed unless:

the person is performing an official/public duty,
the person is participating in a public event.

Certain locations (strategic facilities, courts, etc.) have their own rules. Additionally, publishing images of children without parental consent is prohibited.