Kazakhstan is mandating the use of the national messenger Aitu among officials and state-owned enterprises, raising concerns that this move could signal future restrictions on internet freedom.

The rollout of Aitu coincides with Russia’s introduction of its own national messaging app, Max, which has been accompanied by efforts to block international platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. The parallels are fueling fears that Kazakhstan may follow a similar path.

Why Is Aitu Being Introduced?

By September 15, employees of all government agencies and quasi-public sector organizations in Kazakhstan are required to switch to Aitu. The directive comes from the Digital Headquarters under the leadership of Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.

On August 11, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the government to strengthen protections around citizens’ personal data. “A significant part of business and official communication, including the transfer of citizens’ personal data, now takes place through international messengers,” he noted.

Tokayev cited examples of sensitive data, such as individual identification numbers and medical information, being transmitted via foreign platforms. He linked this to repeated data breaches, stating that Kazakhstan experienced over 40 major leaks in 2025 alone, including a major incident in June that exposed data on millions of citizens. He argued that Aitu is a necessary step to prevent further leaks.

Security Concerns Remain Unanswered

Originally launched in 2018, Aitu was used on a limited scale during the COVID-19 pandemic and in educational initiatives. Despite its recent promotion, serious questions about its security remain unanswered.

On August 29, Deputy Minister of Digital Development Dmitry Mun confirmed that Aitu is owned by Kazakhtelecom JSC, a national monopoly, and BTS. The app’s infrastructure is reportedly hosted entirely within Kazakhstan.

However, Yevgeny Pitolin, co-chair of the QazTech Alliance’s Information Security Committee, criticized the lack of transparency: “There is almost no information about security. In official responses, the administration avoids these questions, claiming it is a matter of national security.”

So far, six million people have registered with Aitu, according to the Ministry of Digital Development. Although this represents nearly one-third of Kazakhstan’s population of 20 million, the ministry has not disclosed how frequently the app is used.

A Step Toward a Sovereign Internet?

A major point of concern among Kazakhstanis is whether Aitu could pave the way for a sovereign internet model similar to those in Russia or China both of which tightly control domestic digital ecosystems.

Russia’s Max messenger, modeled after China’s WeChat, integrates payments, government services, banking, and social networking. Though introduced by VK Corporation, the Russian government has embedded itself in its development. In July, the State Duma passed legislation mandating all official communication between citizens and government agencies to occur via Max. It now comes pre-installed on smartphones, and schools and hospitals are transitioning to it.

Crucially, Max works only with SIM cards registered in Russia or Belarus, making cross-border communication difficult. Users have reported frequent disruptions in WhatsApp and Telegram access. Critics argue that the Russian state may be moving toward outright bans on foreign messengers.

Kazakhstan Denies Similar Plans For Now

Amid rising speculation, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Digital Development has denied any plans to ban international messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram.

“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,” the ministry stated.

Despite these reassurances, the timing and context of Aitu’s rollout continue to stir public unease. With precedent set in neighboring Russia, many Kazakhstanis worry that further restrictions could follow.