Government receives directives from Toqaev for switch to domestic messaging service
Kazakhstan Enforces Shift to Secure National Messenger Aitu for Official Communications
Following a directive by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazakhstan is implementing regulations that require all official communications involving personal data to be transferred from international messaging platforms to the secure national messenger, Aitu. This move aims to enhance data security and comply with Kazakhstan’s data protection laws.
The instruction was given during a meeting presided over by President Tokayev, who considers ensuring secure communications as a serious task. The motivation for this policy stems from concerns that existing international messengers facilitate the exchange of highly sensitive data—personal identification numbers, health data, etc.—which risks breaches of Kazakhstan’s data protection laws and data leaks outside the country.
By September 15, 2025, government agencies, quasi-public organizations, and the Armed Forces must begin using Aitu for official communications. The Ministry of Defense is expected to complete the switch by the end of 2025. The Digital Headquarters, chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, has mandated this transfer alongside adopting rules for managing AI-related data and integrating government systems into the Smart Data Ukimet platform by December 1, 2025. These initiatives aim to strengthen digital sovereignty and streamline data handling.
Aitu, developed domestically by BTS Digital and owned by Phoenix Fund, is designed to meet security requirements and support Kazakhstan’s digital independence. As of late 2020, it already had a significant user base of approximately 1.4 million registered users, mainly in Kazakhstan.
It is important to note that such practices violate legislation on the protection of personal data and result in information leaks beyond national jurisdiction. The instruction does not outline any penalties for non-compliance, but it is expected that the government will enforce these regulations to ensure the security and privacy of its citizens' data.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize and integrate government digital infrastructure securely, in response to the development of artificial intelligence. The transfer of communications to Aitu is a significant step towards achieving digital independence and ensuring the protection of sensitive personal data within Kazakhstan's jurisdiction.
Artificial intelligence is being integrated into Kazakhstan's digital infrastructure as part of a broader strategy to modernize government digital systems. This move includes the adoption of rules for managing AI-related data and the transfer of official communications to the secure national messenger, Aitu, developed domestically.
The use of Aitu for official communications aims to enhance data security, particularly in light of concerns that existing international messengers facilitate the exchange of sensitive data and risk breaches of Kazakhstan's data protection laws.
