Digital Service - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 21

Carbon Emission

Kazakhstan Considers Carbon Accounting System to Boost Emissions Transparency

Aydar Kazybayev, co-founder of the National Academy of Corporate Governance, has proposed the introduction of a carbon accounting system in Kazakhstan. He argues that such a system would enable the automatic calculation of greenhouse gas emissions at industrial enterprises and ensure more transparent and objective reporting. “Today in Kazakhstan, greenhouse gas emission reports remain virtually unchanged, and in some cases have worsened. This is due to different companies conducting annual verifications without a unified verification history,” Kazybayev said at the Central Asia Thermal Power Forum. He announced that a digital platform is scheduled for launch by the end of the year, aimed at integrating all combined heat and power (CHP) plants into a single emissions database. The system would allow companies to maintain carbon records independently via an aggregator or delegate the task to operators managing centralized “carbon accounts.” “Our main objective is to reduce the administrative burden on companies required to submit such reports,” Kazybayev emphasized. According to Kazakhstan’s most recent official submissions to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), total greenhouse gas emissions stood at 375.4 million tons in 2020, declined to 328.4 million tons in 2021, and rose again to 353 million tons in 2022. The energy sector remains the largest contributor, accounting for 288.5 million tons in 2020, 251.4 million in 2021, and 281.9 million in 2022. Kazybayev also cited technological innovations in China as potential models. Specifically, he highlighted China’s Smart Green Energy platform, which enables real-time monitoring of coal consumption and emissions, and generates both daily and annual reports. This system, currently in use at all coal-fired power plants in China, costs approximately $30,000. “Such tools would be highly beneficial for Kazakhstan. They help accurately estimate resource usage and identify inefficiencies,” Kazybayev explained. He also pointed to China’s modernization of coal-fired thermal power plants, where heat pumps and geothermal technologies are being adopted. These systems extract thermal energy from the air, ground, or water and integrate it into heating networks. Air pollution remains a critical concern across Central Asia. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the World Bank has attributed over 65,000 premature deaths annually to regional air pollution.

UN Public Service Forum

Uzbekistan Showcases Digital Achievements, Calls for Global Cooperation at UN Public Service Forum

From June 23 to 25, Uzbekistan hosted the 2025 United Nations Public Service Forum (UNPSF) in Samarkand, welcoming over 1,000 delegates, including government officials, international experts, and representatives of global organizations. Under the theme “Five Years Until 2030: Accelerating Public Service Delivery for a Sustainable Future,” the forum emphasized the pivotal role of digital governance in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov described digitalization as a transformative shift in state-society relations. “Digitization is not merely about introducing new technologies. It is a new format of relations between the state and the people, based on trust, transparency, and mutual understanding,” he said. Uzbekistan’s digital advancements were a central focus. In 2024, the country entered the “very high” category of the UN E-Government Development Index (EGDI) and joined the top “A” group in the GovTech Maturity Index, rising 37 positions. In a message delivered by Saida Mirziyoyeva, head of the Presidential Administration, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted that Uzbekistan had also climbed 24 spots in the EGDI and 17 in the International AI Readiness Index over the past year. The national e-government portal, my.gov.uz, now provides more than 760 electronic services and serves over 11 million registered users. The integrated “Digital Government” platform connects 49 state agencies and over 216 information systems. To ensure accessibility, 208 public service centers across the country assist citizens without internet access. Opening the forum on behalf of the president, Saida Mirziyoyeva stressed the pace of Uzbekistan’s reforms and the importance of inclusive governance. “The world is changing rapidly, and we in Uzbekistan are responding with active reforms,” she said, noting that women now comprise over 35% of civil servants. She also underscored the importance of youth participation and global partnerships, thanking institutions such as the Global Knowledge Center. In his written address, President Mirziyoyev emphasized ongoing efforts to modernize public service through legislative and structural reforms. These include the adoption of a new civil service law in 2022, expanded social support programs, and the implementation of the mahallabay neighborhood-level service system. “We now deliver more than 700 public services online through a single-window platform,” he noted. One of the forum’s key outcomes was the adoption of the Samarkand Ministerial Declaration, a roadmap for enhancing global public service delivery through inclusive, transparent, and technology-driven governance. The declaration calls for deeper international cooperation and knowledge-sharing in GovTech, artificial intelligence, and public sector innovation. Forum sessions addressed a broad spectrum of issues, including digital inclusion, AI governance, innovation labs, and outreach to underserved populations. Delegates exchanged best practices and pledged to strengthen international partnerships to ensure equitable access to services worldwide. For Uzbekistan, hosting UNPSF 2025 underscored both its rapid digital transformation and its role as an emerging leader in global digital governance. With tangible improvements in global indices and expanding access to public services, the country presented itself as a model of reform and a committed partner in advancing sustainable development.

Digitalization

Kazakhstan Launches Digital Highway Assistance Service

Kazakhstan has introduced a new digital service enabling drivers to notify fellow motorists about emergency situations on the road, an initiative designed to foster mutual assistance and reduce traffic incidents. Using a mobile application, drivers can input the license plate number of a vehicle they observe in trouble and send an anonymous alert to its owner. The system covers common scenarios such as a flat tire, an open window, a car blocking the road, activated alarms, or situations where another vehicle has collided with a parked car. The list of alert types may expand over time, and all messages are sent anonymously and free of charge to both sender and recipient. “If you notice that a car has been left with an open window or is blocking the driveway, all you have to do is enter the license plate number and select the situation. The driver will receive an anonymous notification,” said Zhaslan Madiev, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry. “We expect that this service will become a tool of mutual support and civil responsibility among drivers and will lead to the minimization of emergency situations on the roads.” The initiative was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The two institutions also plan to integrate augmented reality and computer vision technologies into Kazakhstan’s driver licensing procedures. Expanding Digital Public Services Kazakhstan continues to expand its portfolio of digital services in the transportation sector. According to Arman Kenzhegaliev, Chairman of the state corporation Government for Citizens, the country delivered 3 million vehicle-related services in the past year, including digital signing of sale and purchase agreements, expedited production of registration plates, and online auto insurance issuance. “We plan to launch a platform for document processing, introduce biometric identification, and implement a service to check vehicle history,” said Kenzhegaliev. In 2024, Kazakhstan expects to provide 341 million public services, 91% of them remotely. Currently, 92% of all public services are accessible online. Digital ID Cards and Data Protection By the end of April, Kazakhstan will roll out a digital alternative to physical identity cards. The new system, which has already undergone testing, allows citizens to verify their identity through the eGov platform, upload a photo and signature, pay online, and receive an SMS once the document is ready. To protect personal data, a new government-run data access control service has been launched. Citizens will now receive notifications when someone attempts to access their personal data and can block unauthorized attempts in real time. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan is also investing in infrastructure to support the introduction of artificial intelligence systems, with international partners, including those from Singapore, contributing to the development of data centers and digital frameworks across the country.

Telecommunications

Kazakhstan to Curb SIM Card Issuance Amid Rising Digital Fraud

Kazakhstan is considering new restrictions on the number of SIM cards individuals and legal entities can possess, in a bid to combat growing digital fraud. The proposal was announced by First Deputy Prosecutor General Timur Tashimbayev during a parliamentary session where the corresponding bill is under discussion. Targeting Scams Through Regulation The draft legislation proposes a cap, either five or ten SIM cards per individual, as well as the introduction of video verification during registration, mirroring procedures used in the financial sector. “Unfortunately, anyone can currently purchase SIM cards with virtually no oversight. They’re sold in stores, handed out during promotions, and it’s nearly impossible to track who is using them and for what purpose,” Tashimbayev said. In collaboration with mobile operators, the Prosecutor General’s Office has also developed methods to detect so-called SIM boxes, devices used to mask international internet calls as local traffic. In the past year, law enforcement seized 78 such devices and over 50,000 SIM cards connected to illegal operations. Data and Legislative Developments Since 2019, Kazakhstan has mandated registration of mobile devices through a combination of IMEI number, SIM card, and the subscriber’s Individual Identification Number (IIN), creating a digital footprint for each user. Despite this, new forms of fraud continue to emerge. In 2023, discussions began around biometric identification for remote telecom services. The plan would require users to provide facial recognition data when registering SIM cards, a move aimed at deterring the use of fake identities. Reclaiming the Numbering Plan In October 2024, Vice Minister of Digital Development Askhat Orazbek announced plans to return control over the country’s numbering plan to the state. Under the proposal, new numbers would be issued via the eGov portal and its mobile app. The initiative also includes differentiating SIM cards by purpose. While private users will face strict limits, legal entities will be required to justify the need for each card issued. “We will cap the number of SIM cards per person. Legal entities issuing them on a large scale must provide documentation justifying their use,” Orazbek stated. Universal SIM Cards on the Horizon Alongside restrictions, Kazakhstan is considering the rollout of universal SIM cards. Enabled by a draft law on virtual telecom operators, these cards would be compatible with the nearest base stations of any network provider, thanks to shared infrastructure access. Adapting to New Digital Threats With cyber fraud becoming increasingly sophisticated, Kazakhstan is taking a multi-pronged approach to enhance digital security. The proposed limits on SIM card ownership, enhanced registration protocols, and the development of virtual operators are central to this evolving strategy to combat telecom-related crime.

Telecommunications

Kazakhstan to Crack Down on “Gray” Smartphones

Starting March 24, 2025, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry will require telecom operators to verify the IMEI codes of smartphones and disconnect illegally purchased devices. According to ministry officials, the new regulation will apply only to phones purchased after March 24, 2025. Under the new system, all smartphones in Kazakhstan will be categorized into three lists based on their IMEI codes: White List: Legally purchased smartphones. Gray List: Devices with suspicious IMEI codes, such as duplicates. Owners will have 30 days to confirm their device's legitimacy. Black List: Stolen or counterfeit phones, which will be blocked from network access. “The goal of these new regulations is to combat the circulation of illegal devices,” said Dias Tolegenov, head of the Monitoring and Development of Wireless Projects Department at the ministry’s Telecommunications Committee. Phones imported before March 24, 2025, will not be affected by the new rules. Buyers can already check a device’s IMEI code on a dedicated government portal to avoid purchasing illegal or counterfeit smartphones. Azamat Seriktaev, another ministry representative, noted that blocking stolen phones through IMEI registration will help reduce mobile device theft. Meanwhile, the regulations are expected to curb the flow of illegally imported or fraudulently registered devices. According to Mazhilis deputy Ekaterina Smyshlyaeva, 64% of mobile devices in Kazakhstan’s market are imported through illegal or “gray” schemes: “In 2024, the state lost nearly 100 billion tenge (approximately $196 million) in unpaid value-added tax (VAT) due to these illegal imports.” She outlined several common fraudulent practices, including: Customs Evasion: Phones are imported without proper customs clearance. Mislabeling: High-end smartphones are registered as budget models to reduce tax liabilities. IMEI Duplication: Fraudsters copy the IMEI numbers of legally imported devices and assign them to multiple smuggled phones - sometimes up to five or six per code. “Often, people check a new phone’s IMEI and find out that, according to the system, it was manufactured 10 years ago,” Smyshlyaeva noted. To further tighten control, Smyshlyaeva suggested: Integrating IMEI registration with customs data to detect fraudulent imports. Automatically cross-checking IMEI numbers with the Customs Register of Intellectual Property Objects. Limiting personal imports to two smartphones per year per individual to prevent bulk smuggling. Separately, Mazhilis deputy and former Education Minister Askhat Aimagambetov have proposed restrictions on children’s use of smartphones in schools. As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, Kyrgyzstan is considering similar measures in schools and universities.

Digital Service

Kazakhstan to Provide Tourists with QR-Code Security Cards

Foreign visitors entering Kazakhstan will now receive a special card with a QR code linking to the multilingual portal SafeTravel.kz, a platform designed to enhance tourist safety and provide access to essential services. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has launched this initiative as part of broader efforts to improve security measures for foreign visitors. Cards with QR codes are now being distributed at border checkpoints and airports, with the first set already in use at Kazakhstan’s international airport in Astana. Through SafeTravel.kz, tourists can access: The "102" mobile app for instant contact with police, including an SOS function A memo on migration laws and entry requirements A city map with links to navigation and travel apps A list of official taxi and online transport services Information on telecommunications operators with links to their websites Emergency response guidelines for various incidents Contact details for ambulance, fire, and rescue services Kazakhstan’s introduction of this QR-code security system aims to ensure a safer and more convenient experience for international travelers by providing quick access to emergency services and essential information.