Legislation regarding unethical behavior on social networks and internet resources in Azerbaijan is being tightened. According to proposed amendments to the Administrative Offenses Code, discussed at a joint session of the relevant parliamentary committees, actions that demonstrate open disrespect toward society will be considered minor hooliganism.
Under the new draft, authors of online content that publicly displays behavior insulting public morality, obscene expressions or gestures, or the human body in ways contrary to national and moral values will face severe penalties. Offenders may be fined between 500 and 1,000 AZN or face administrative detention for up to 30 days, depending on the circumstances.
If a person commits the same act again within a year after receiving administrative punishment, the penalties will be stricter. In this case, fines may range from 1,000 to 2,000 AZN, or detention may be imposed for one to two months. For other minor hooliganism cases not accompanied by physical violence, fines of 50–100 AZN or detention for up to 15 days may apply.
These legislative changes aim to curb the rise of unethical posts on social networks, which have recently increased and negatively influenced youth behavior. It is noted that social media algorithms promoting such content contribute to the erosion of national and moral values and the spread of negative trends in society.
