Baku: Azerbaijan has identified new grounds for the temporary restriction of internet information resources, focusing on content related to narcotics, pornography, immoral expressions, gambling, suicide, privacy violations, and insults. This development was reported during the latest session of the Milli Majlis, where proposed amendments to the Law on Information, Informatization and Protection of Information were discussed.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the draft law outlines specific types of information that, if posted, will result in the temporary restriction of access to the respective internet resource or its sections. The relevant executive authority will make these decisions. The types of information include details on producing or using narcotic drugs, locations for illegal acquisition, and methods of cultivating narcotic plants. Furthermore, content related to pornography, especially child pornography, and acts that insult public morality or express disrespect towards society will also face restrictions.

In addition, the proposed amendments target information encouraging gambling, excluding lotteries, sports betting, and certain casino games conducted under specific Azerbaijani laws. Content promoting or rationalizing suicide, films and games not marked for the appropriate age category, and any information containing insults or defamation, or violating privacy, are also grounds for restriction. The law also addresses false information that poses threats to human life, property, or public safety.

The draft law was successfully put to a vote and adopted in its third reading, marking a significant step in Azerbaijan's efforts to regulate internet content and safeguard public morality and safety.