Kyrgyzstan plans to expand its surveillance powers

The Kyrgyz parliament appears to be preparing a significant expansion of the state security services’ powers to monitor the population.

In a first reading, lawmakers passed a bill that would grant security agencies far-reaching rights to monitor private phone calls and messages. In addition, the agencies would be permitted in the future to interrupt mobile phone connections and use facial recognition technology to track citizens’ movements.

According to a commentary by the news portal 24KG, the law would “fundamentally change the rules of the game in the telecommunications sector.” Under the bill, the State Security Service (GKNB) would gain operational control over digital technologies for state-authorized information gathering.

Security Service to Gain Expanded Data Access

The costs for installing the necessary surveillance technology are to continue to be borne by telecommunications companies. Furthermore, the GKNB would gain “unrestricted access” to user data collected by telecommunications providers.

The deputy chairman of the GKNB, Alisher Erbayev, explained that the legislative amendment was necessary to close a “legal loophole” in the existing legal framework.

Mobile network shutdowns possible in exceptional cases

The draft law also provides that the GKNB may temporarily deactivate individuals’ mobile devices—for example, in the event of an armed conflict or a state of emergency.

According to the draft, affected citizens are to be informed in writing about the suspension of their mobile service and the reasons for the measure.