BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 30. Azerbaijan has
expanded the list of cases in which access to online information
resources may be temporarily restricted.


The relevant provisions are outlined in amendments to the
Criminal Code, Criminal Procedure Code and the Law on Information,
Informatization and Protection of Information approved by President
of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The amendments were
published on the official website of the President of
Azerbaijan.


Under the changes, access to an online information resource or
its relevant section may be temporarily restricted by a decision of
the relevant executive authority if it contains information on
methods and procedures for the production or use of narcotic drugs,
psychotropic substances and their precursors, locations for their
illegal acquisition, or locations and methods for cultivating
plants containing narcotic substances.


The measure will also apply to the publication of information
containing insults or defamation, violating privacy, as well as
false information that creates a threat of harm to human life and
health, significant property damage, large-scale disruption of
public safety, disruption of the operation of critical facilities,
including financial, transport, communications, industrial, energy
and social infrastructure, or other socially dangerous
consequences.


In addition, gambling activities carried out:



  • in a virtual format, including through the internet, mobile
    communication networks, social media platforms, other electronic
    communication tools, as well as internet and mobile
    telecommunications applications or other technology-based
    platforms;

  • involving minors in gambling activities;

  • by a group of persons acting in prior agreement;

  • with the aim of obtaining significant income;


will be punishable by restriction of liberty for a period of two
to four years or imprisonment for the same period, along with a
fine of up to twice the amount of income obtained through criminal
activity.


The document also states that if such activities are committed
by an organized group or criminal association (criminal
organization), or involve obtaining a large amount of income, they
will be punishable by restriction of liberty for a term of three to
five years or imprisonment for the same period.