Tajik authorities tighten control on communications

The Tajik government has adopted a resolution to establish the Unified Electronic Communications Centre, bringing greater government control over communications in the country.

According to a report published in the government-run Jumhuriyat newspaper, the purpose of the Centre is to oversee and regulate incoming and outcoming international electronic communications and the internet. Under the new law, all telecommunications companies and internet service providers must route their traffic through the Unified Electronic Communications Centre.

Critics of the decision have raised concerns regarding the creation of a government monopoly over telecommunications and internet service, citing a likely reduction in the quality of service and an increase in prices, along with a possible threat to freedom of speech in the country. Others have argued that reliance on the Centre’s systems will leave Tajikistan vulnerable to a communications blackout.

Source: ASIA-Plus