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Ethical issues and self-regulation in the Central Asian media: Features and problems

Aina Duishekeeva, Rakhima Nuriden, Nursultan Myktybayev, Nargiza Alieva, Asel Emilbekova
Retrieved from Volume 11, No. 2, 2026 Pages 136–150
Received
18.12.2025
Revised
12.04.2026
Accepted
12.05.2026
Published
30.05.2026
Views
25

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess ethical issues and the effectiveness of media self-regulation mechanisms in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The research methodology included the use of methods of content analysis of legislation and activities of media organisations, a case method for analysing specific incidents and international organisations, a statistical approach to the use of digital technologies in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, and a comparative analysis of self-regulation practices. The main result of this study was the analysis of ethical challenges and practices of self-regulation of journalism in the context of digital transformation in Central Asian countries. The study identified and analysed the problems of disinformation, censorship, and pressure on journalists. The effectiveness of media self-regulation practices was also evaluated using the example of Kazakh and Kyrgyz organisations. It was determined that the spread of the Internet and the development of digital technologies, especially social networks, have become an important channel for the spread of disinformation and propaganda in the Central Asian region. The analysis of the scheme for analysing fact-checking information became a landmark in the study. A comparative analysis of the practices of self-regulation of mass media in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan showed that in Kyrgyzstan, self-regulation of mass media is better developed than in Kazakhstan, due to the active participation of public organisations. However, both countries face restrictions on freedom of speech, in particular, with increased state control of the media, a lack of mediation, and fact-checking mechanisms. The study showed that in order to overcome ethical challenges, it is necessary to increase the media literacy of the population, strengthen media independence and develop effective mechanisms for self-regulation. The results of this study can be used to develop strategies aimed at improving the standards of journalism and ensuring freedom of speech in Central Asian countries

Keywords

fact-checking; censorship; freedom of speech; disinformation; fake news; media literacy

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Suggested citation

Duishekeeva, A., Nuriden, R., Myktybayev, N., Alieva, N., & Emilbekova, A. (2026). Ethical issues and self-regulation in the Central Asian media: Features and problems. Society. Document. Communication, 11(2), 136-150. https://doi.org/10.69587/sdc/2.2026.136