Kazakhstan has mandated the use of its national messaging application, Aitu, for officials and state-owned enterprises, a move that has raised eyebrows regarding potential implications for internet freedom. This initiative arrives in tandem with Russia’s launch of its own messaging app, Max, which has been accompanied by efforts to restrict access to international platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram. The similarities between the two countries’ approaches have sparked concerns that Kazakhstan may be heading down a similar path.
Why Is Aitu Being Introduced?
By September 15, all employees within government agencies and quasi-public sector organizations in Kazakhstan are required to transition to Aitu. This directive originates from the Digital Headquarters, overseen by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. On August 11, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the need to enhance protections for citizens’ personal data, noting that a considerable amount of business and official communication occurs via international messaging platforms.
Tokayev highlighted the risks associated with transmitting sensitive data, such as individual identification numbers and medical records, through foreign applications. He pointed to a troubling trend of data breaches, with over 40 significant incidents reported in 2025 alone, including a major leak in June that compromised the information of millions. In this context, he argued that Aitu is a crucial measure to mitigate future risks.
Security Concerns Remain Unanswered
Initially launched in 2018, Aitu saw limited use during the COVID-19 pandemic and in educational settings. However, as it gains prominence, serious questions regarding its security features remain largely unaddressed. On August 29, Deputy Minister of Digital Development Dmitry Mun confirmed that Aitu is owned by Kazakhtelecom JSC, a national monopoly, and BTS, with its infrastructure hosted entirely within Kazakhstan.
Despite this, Yevgeny Pitolin, co-chair of the QazTech Alliance’s Information Security Committee, has voiced concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the app’s security. He noted, “There is almost no information about security. In official responses, the administration avoids these questions, claiming it is a matter of national security.” Currently, around six million users have registered with Aitu, which accounts for nearly one-third of Kazakhstan’s population of 20 million, though the ministry has not provided data on the app’s usage frequency.
A Step Toward a Sovereign Internet?
A significant concern among the populace is whether Aitu could lead to a sovereign internet model akin to those in Russia or China, where digital ecosystems are tightly controlled. Russia’s Max messenger, inspired by China’s WeChat, integrates various services including payments, government functions, banking, and social networking. Introduced by VK Corporation, the Russian government has played an active role in its development. In July, legislation was passed mandating that all official communication between citizens and government agencies occur via Max, which is now pre-installed on smartphones, with schools and hospitals transitioning to its use.
Importantly, Max operates only with SIM cards registered in Russia or Belarus, complicating cross-border communication. Users have reported frequent disruptions in access to WhatsApp and Telegram, leading critics to argue that the Russian state may be inching toward outright bans on foreign messaging services.
Kazakhstan Denies Similar Plans For Now
In light of growing speculation, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Digital Development has refuted any intentions to ban international messaging platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram. The ministry clarified, “The initiative to introduce Aitu concerns exclusively official communication within central and local government bodies, as well as quasi-public organizations. It is designed to ensure that civil servants can securely exchange information for official use.”
Despite these assurances, the timing and context surrounding Aitu’s implementation continue to evoke public apprehension. With the precedent set by neighboring Russia, many Kazakhstanis remain wary of potential future restrictions on their digital communication.
