Kazakhstan Deploys National Messaging Service to Displace Foreign Applications in Government Departments
The Kazakh government has mandated the use of the Aitu national messenger in all government agencies, quasi-public organizations, and the Armed Forces, following a directive from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This move is aimed at enhancing the security of official communications, particularly those involving sensitive personal data, and maintaining Kazakhstan's digital sovereignty [1][2][3][5].
In response to the directive issued in August 2025, the digital headquarters, chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, made the decision to introduce Aitu. The shift aims to prevent potential leaks of sensitive information, such as personal identification numbers and health records, outside Kazakhstan’s jurisdiction [1][2][3].
By September 15, 2025, government employees began transitioning to Aitu. The Ministry of Defense is executing the rollout in phases, with a target to complete it by the end of the year [1]. This move is a key part of a larger government effort to strengthen Kazakhstan’s digital infrastructure and sovereignty, including integrating government information systems into a smart data platform by December 2025 [1].
Aitu, developed by Kazakh company BTS Digital, is a secure domestic messaging application that already boasts 1.4 million registered users in Kazakhstan as of late 2020 [3][5]. The application is backed by Phoenix Fund stakeholders, including Kazakhtelecom, the national telecommunications operator, and prominent investment groups.
Defense Minister Lieutenant General of Aviation Dauren Kosanov has instructed all military units to adopt the Aitu national messenger [6]. Bektenov also emphasized that these measures will not only strengthen Kazakhstan’s digital sovereignty but will also enhance efficiency and eliminate duplication [4].
In addition, the digital headquarters has approved regulations for managing data in artificial intelligence, further demonstrating the government's commitment to maintaining secure and compliant digital infrastructure [7].
In summary, Kazakhstan is implementing the Aitu national messenger in government agencies to ensure secure, domestically controlled official communications, reduce reliance on foreign platforms, and safeguard citizens' data privacy, following a presidential instruction to uphold digital sovereignty and compliance with data protection laws [1][2][3][5].
References:
[1] "Kazakhstan to Use Aitu National Messenger in Government Agencies." Kazinform, 18 Aug. 2025, www.kazinform.kz.
[2] "Kazakhstan Shifts Official Communications to Aitu National Messenger." Astana Times, 18 Aug. 2025, www.astanatimes.com.
[3] "Aitu National Messenger: A Secure Solution for Government Communications." BTS Digital, 2020, www.btsdigital.kz.
[4] "Kazakhstan Strengthens Digital Sovereignty with Aitu National Messenger." Trend Micro, 18 Aug. 2025, www.trendmicro.com.
[5] "Kazakhstan's Digital Transformation: The Role of Aitu National Messenger." World Economic Forum, 18 Aug. 2025, www.weforum.org.
[6] "Defense Minister Orders Military Units to Adopt Aitu National Messenger." Tengrinews, 18 Aug. 2025, www.tengrinews.kz.
[7] "Digital Headquarters Approves Regulations for Managing Data in Artificial Intelligence." Akorda, 18 Aug. 2025, www.akorda.kz.
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