By Azerbaijan.US Editorial Board
Azerbaijan has taken another step toward tightening control over online expression, as new amendments to the Law “On Information, Informatization and Protection of Information” officially enter into force. Approved by Ilham Aliyev, the changes introduce fines and administrative detention for digital content labeled “immoral” or “disrespectful to society.”
The law targets posts on websites and social media that, if widely shared, include profanity, obscene language, offensive gestures, or visual content deemed incompatible with moral norms and national spiritual values. Violations now carry fines ranging from 500 to 1,000 manats, while courts are authorized to impose administrative arrest of up to 30 days if monetary penalties are considered insufficient. Repeat offenses within a year can result in fines of up to 2,000 manats, again with the possibility of detention.
Officials frame the amendments as a response to rising vulgarity online and as a measure to protect children and public morals. However, the law’s broad and subjective wording has raised serious concerns among media observers and legal analysts. Terms such as “immorality” and “open disrespect” lack precise legal definition, granting enforcement bodies wide discretionary power.
In practice, critics warn, this creates a legal tool that can be selectively applied — not only against abusive online behavior, but also against sharp criticism, satire, or emotionally charged political speech. The risk is not merely fines or short-term arrests, but a broader chilling effect that encourages self-censorship across digital platforms.
As Azerbaijan’s information space becomes more regulated, the key question is no longer whether offensive content should be limited, but who decides where offense begins – and whether morality is being used as a proxy for controlling dissent.
