AKIPRESS.COM - President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov has signed the new law "On mass media", which was adopted by the Parliament on June 25, 2025, the president's press service reported.

The purpose of the law is to improve media legislation and create conditions for the development of independent, competitive and responsible media in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Key provisions of the law include:

• Registration procedures for media outlets, including registration, re-registration, suspension and termination of media operations; criteria for approval or denial of registration. A media outlet is considered registered and allowed to disseminate information from the date of official registration by the justice authorities. Media operations can only be suspended or terminated by the founder or a court decision.

• Regulation of media operations and professional standards for journalists.

• A strict ban on censorship, with provisions explicitly prohibiting interference by government officials in media activities, including interference with founders.

• A special legal framework ensuring media access to information outlining the responsibilities of media organizations and specifying circumstances under which media outlets, editors and journalists are exempt from liability.

• The right to protect sources allowing media to withhold the identity of information providers unless disclosure is ordered by a court in connection with an active legal case.

Additionally, the law limits foreign ownership: foreign individuals and legal entities are prohibited from owning, using, controlling or managing more than 35% of shares or stakes in Kyrgyz media companies.

The law also stresses adherence to ethical standards in editorial policies and information dissemination.