In mid-November, the director of the Center for Spirituality and Education, Otabek Khasanov, posted a video on his Telegram channel, which talked about the launch of “moral checks” into media products of TV channels, radio stations, and social networks (TV series, cartoons, films, songs, and music videos). The goal of the project is to prevent the distribution of products that could have a negative impact on the upbringing of children. The video was later deleted.
Following criticism on social networks, the center stated that the move was a response to the requests, demands, and initiatives of “parents, intellectuals, and the general public” concerned about the impact of media content on children and young people. They did not agree with the assessment that “spiritual expertise” meant the introduction of censorship, and stated that experts would prepare recommendations for media content creators, creative groups, and artistic councils.
The center assured that the creative freedom of journalists, authors, and bloggers would not be restricted in any way.
