Azerbaijan Introduces New Requirements and Heavy Fines for Social Media Platforms

Azerbaijan has approved new regulations tightening oversight of social media platforms. Under a decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport will have primary responsibility for supervising social media platforms subject to age restrictions.

Under the new rules, platforms will be required to verify users’ ages, respond to requests from state authorities within five working days, and comply with online safety requirements. Restrictions on social media accounts for users under the age of 16 are also envisaged.

Violations will carry significant fines for officials and legal entities. Platforms that fail to respond to government requests or provide inaccurate information may face fines of 25,000–30,000 manats, while violations of safe-use requirements may result in fines of 35,000–40,000 manats for legal entities. If violations are repeated within one year, fines may rise to 45,000–50,000 manats.

The amendments also expand the circumstances under which internet resources may be temporarily blocked without a court decision. These include insult and defamation, violations of privacy, promotion of narcotic drugs, and disinformation deemed to pose a threat to public safety.

The authorities justify the amendments on the grounds of protecting children and strengthening information security. Critics, however, view the new regulations as a further expansion of state control over the internet and media in Azerbaijan.

The new rules will enter into force 12 months after their adoption.