Kazakhstan
KazakhstanWhat this score means
- Extreme75 to 100
- Severe and systematic. Device search, interception and detention over online activity are documented rather than theoretical. Reconsider what you carry and what you say.
- High50 to 74
- Substantial and consistently evidenced measures. Device inspection, monitored networks or restricted services should be expected rather than treated as unlikely.
- Caution25 to 49
- Some risk, and manageable with precautions. Measures are evidenced but are narrow, inconsistently applied, or the picture is mixed.
- Low0 to 24
- Ordinary precautions. No systematic device search, network restriction or prosecution of visitors for online speech is evidenced.
Government travel advice is written for one citizenry, so the same country carries a different assessment depending on your passport. Change it in the header.
Showing the baseline, which weights every issuer equally. No government in our corpus publishes travel advice written for you, so this is not addressed to you specifically.
For United Kingdom nationals: 61 (high). This leans on advice written for British nationals, and weights other issuers lower.
For Europe nationals: 61 (high). This leans on advice written for German nationals, and weights other issuers lower.
For United States nationals: 60 (high). This leans on advice written for US nationals, and weights other issuers lower.
For Canada nationals: 61 (high). This leans on advice written for Canadian nationals, and weights other issuers lower.
For Latin America and the Caribbean nationals: 62 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Latin America and the Caribbean, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Latin America and the Caribbean and this destination.For most passports in this region, Kazakhstan requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 33 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Africa nationals: 62 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Africa, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Africa and this destination.For most passports in this region, Kazakhstan requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 54 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Middle East nationals: 60 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Middle East, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.
For South Asia nationals: 62 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for South Asia, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between South Asia and this destination.For most passports in this region, Kazakhstan requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 13 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For East and South East Asia nationals: 60 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for East and South East Asia, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.
For Oceania nationals: 62 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Oceania, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Oceania and this destination.For most passports in this region, Kazakhstan requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 14 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
Dimensions
Each dimension is scored independently, because the traveller who cares about legal exposure for what they have posted is often not the one carrying client data. Higher means more risk.
Speech and legal exposure
What legal risk attaches to what I have said online, or say while I am there?
good confidence9 independent sources
Why this score (20 sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored KAZ 1 of 4 on freedom to express personal views on sensitive topics without fear of surveillance or retribution.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
Freedom House 2026 scored KAZ 0 of 4 on free and independent media.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored KAZ 2.31 of 4 on how routinely the government censors political content on social media, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored KAZ 0.58 of 4 on how often people are arrested for political content they posted online, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
Kazakhstan - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2026-08-18 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for Kazakhstan: no advisory against travel in force.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-10-13 · written for GBR nationals
Kazakhstan: Take normal security precautions
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-15 · written for CAN nationals
Kazakhstan (Kasachstan): No travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-02-27 · written for DEU nationals
It's illegal to post images or comments on social media that show disrespect towards religion, culture or national symbols.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-03-30
Moreover, the broadly worded Criminal Code provision on the dissemination of “false information” was increasingly used against journalists, bloggers and civic activists.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-07-23 · extracted by language model
As the trial in the case was approaching, several people taking part in a social media campaign in support of the activists were detained, intimidated and forced by police to delete their posts.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-01-27 · extracted by language model
New accreditation rules introduced in 2024 grant authorities broad powers to deny or revoke accreditation for foreign media and journalists.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-01-27 · extracted by language model
Authorities accused Bazhkenova of “repeated and deliberate distribution of knowingly false information” and ordered her to be placed under house arrest for two months pending investigation.
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-12-02 · extracted by language model
Sharing or publishing images that the authorities consider to be insulting risks a fine or a prison sentence.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-10-13 · written for GBR nationals · extracted by language model
In May 2026, opposition activist Marat Zhanuzakov was detained in Astana after publishing a post highly critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin and expressing support for Ukraine on the day of Putin’s state visit to Kazakhstan.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-07-23 · extracted by language model
The charges concerned a Facebook post in which she called on the relatives and supporters of prominent opposition activist Marat Zhylanbayev to gather outside the prison where he is held and seek a meeting with him in order to prevent him from facing the same fate as other political prisoners who have died behind bars.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-07-23 · extracted by language model
Following a law enforcement raid on the offices of Orda.kz and the detention of its staff at the beginning of December 2025, editor-in-chief Gulnara Bazhkenova was placed under house arrest pending investigation on charges of knowingly spreading “false” information – a broadly worded offence open to abuse.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-01-27 · extracted by language model
Several other individuals who posted similar photos were reportedly summoned, threatened and asked to delete the posts by police.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-01-27 · extracted by language model
In April 2025, authorities detained and interrogated him in connection with a criminal false information investigation into another social media post on the same topic.
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-08-05 · extracted by language model
The amendments, more commonly known as the “anti-LGBT propaganda” legislation, will restrict media figures, educators, and social media users from writing, lecturing, or posting propaganda relating to “pedophilia and/or non-traditonal sexual orientations.”
Vlast, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-12-04 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Network threat
How hostile is the network environment to a foreign visitor, from state actors and criminals alike?
good confidence6 independent sources
Why this score (7 sources)
ITU Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, Technical pillar: 19.38 of 20.
International Telecommunication Union, Global Cybersecurity Index · observed 2024-12-31
Freedom House scored Kazakhstan 14 of 25 on obstacles to access in Freedom on the Net, a category covering state control over internet infrastructure and gateways, regulatory and ownership control over service providers, and the independence of the regulator.
Freedom House, Freedom on the Net, obstacles to access · observed 2025-01-01
Cybercrime occurs frequently in Kazakhstan, especially online extortion and identity theft.
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-16 · written for CAN nationals · extracted by language model
Several independent news websites were targeted by cyberattacks during the constitutional reform campaign, while the websites of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) became inaccessible across Kazakhstan shortly after the publication of an investigation linking relatives of President Tokayev to a company awarded major government contracts.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-07-23 · extracted by language model
日本で閲覧可能なウェブサイトがカザフスタンでは閲覧できないことがあります。
Our translation: Websites that can be viewed in Japan may not be viewable in Kazakhstan.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Overseas travel safety information · observed 2026-10-16 · written for JPN nationals · extracted by language model
Следствие подозревают задержанного в том, что он «проникал на серверы иностранных компаний и устанавливал вредоносные программы, шифрующие компьютерные данные, а за восстановление данных требовал выкуп в криптовалюте».
Our translation: The investigation suspects the detainee of having “penetrated the servers of foreign companies and installed malicious programs encrypting computer data, and demanded a ransom in cryptocurrency for restoring the data.”
Vlast, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-07-26 · extracted by language model
Sadykova has also been subjected to phishing attempts and online harassment.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-01-27 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
1 excluded source
- Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-02-02: aged out after 3 years.
Encryption and VPN legality
Are VPNs and strong encryption lawful, and can I be required to install an application or hand over keys?
moderate confidence2 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 60% of full strength.
Why this score (2 sources)
Widespread restrictions. Regulations in Kazakhstan require every internet user in the country to install a backdoor, allowing the government to conduct surveillance and to intercept communications. This allows the government to access web browsing history, usernames and passwords, and even secure and HTTPS-encrypted traffic.
Global Partners Digital, World Map of Encryption Laws and Policies · observed 2019-06-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored KAZ 1.63 of 4 on whether the government regulates the internet in a way consistent with international human rights standards, where higher is freer. This does not establish whether encryption or VPN use is lawful. It measures internet regulation in general, and is used as indirect evidence because the only survey that reads encryption law directly was published in 2019.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Surveillance and interception
How comprehensively are communications intercepted, retained, and monitored, and is commercial spyware in use?
good confidence4 independent sources
Why this score (7 sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored KAZ 1 of 4 on freedom to express personal views on sensitive topics without fear of surveillance or retribution.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored KAZ 1.54 of 4 on how comprehensively the government monitors social media and private online communication, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored KAZ 2.08 of 4 on how far privacy protection law shields communications from government access, where higher is freer. This measures what privacy law permits rather than what monitoring is practised, so it is read here as a constraint on interception rather than a measurement of it.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
The World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2025 scored KAZ 0.28 of 1 on whether freedom from arbitrary interference with privacy is effectively guaranteed, a measure built from expert assessments of warrantless interception of communications.
World Justice Project, Rule of Law Index, sub-factor 4.6 · observed 2025-01-01
The contractor was expected to flag “aggressive” and “strongly aggressive” content – particularly criticism of the government – and to compile monthly reports identifying specific authors, accounts, and platforms.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-01-27 · extracted by language model
Reports of extensive state monitoring of media and social media platforms aimed at identifying content critical of the authorities drew additional alarm, particularly as the president publicly endorsed efforts to scrutinise and locate users accused of spreading “disinformation” or “provocative” content.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-01-27 · extracted by language model
They would also require platforms to enforce a ban on the use of online platforms by persons under 16, except for messenger services, and to ensure that all account holders with more than 5,000 followers provide identification information to the authorities.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-01-27 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Connectivity continuity
How likely am I to lose access to the internet, or to the specific tools I depend on?
good confidence9 independent sources
Why this score (30 sources)
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored KAZ 2.32 of 4 on how often the government shuts down domestic access to the internet, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored KAZ 1.41 of 4 on how routinely the government filters internet content in practice, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
OONI recorded 27 confirmed and 14,574 anomalous results across 267,663 web connectivity measurements in KAZ over the 30 days to 2026-10-16, a confirmed blocking rate of 0.01 percent.
Open Observatory of Network Interference, OONI measurement data · observed 2026-10-16
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Kazakhstan in the 7 days to 2026-10-16, with an aggregate disruption score of 2,495.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-16
Kazakhstan - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2026-08-18 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for Kazakhstan: no advisory against travel in force.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-10-13 · written for GBR nationals
Kazakhstan: Take normal security precautions
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-15 · written for CAN nationals
Kazakhstan (Kasachstan): No travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-02-27 · written for DEU nationals
As of the beginning of 2026, the site remained inaccessible in the country.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-01-27 · extracted by language model
In mid-May 2026, the azattyq.org and azattyqasia.org websites operated by RFE/RL stopped opening across the country following the publication of an investigation linking relatives of President Tokayev to a construction company awarded major government tenders.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-07-23 · extracted by language model
The website of the independent outlet Respublika.kz.news was blocked across Kazakhstan in November 2025, ostensibly based on a court decision dating from over a decade ago, but in practice appearing to have been triggered by the platform’s recent coverage.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-01-27 · extracted by language model
Failure to comply with the new requirements could result in the blocking of platforms or other restrictions on their operations in Kazakhstan.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-01-27 · extracted by language model
In a recent interview with CPJ, local service director Torokul Doorov told CPJ how authorities have used mass accreditation denials and throttling of the outlet’s website to pressure the service over its reporting on Kazakhstan’s president and deadly 2022 mass protests.
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-08-18 · extracted by language model
IODA detected 2 internet outage events affecting Kazakhstan in the 7 days to 2026-10-13, with an aggregate disruption score of 233.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-13
IODA detected 2 internet outage events affecting Kazakhstan in the 7 days to 2026-10-12, with an aggregate disruption score of 233.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-12
IODA detected 2 internet outage events affecting Kazakhstan in the 7 days to 2026-10-11, with an aggregate disruption score of 233.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-11
IODA detected 2 internet outage events affecting Kazakhstan in the 7 days to 2026-10-10, with an aggregate disruption score of 233.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-10
IODA detected 2 internet outage events affecting Kazakhstan in the 7 days to 2026-10-09, with an aggregate disruption score of 233.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-09
IODA detected 2 internet outage events affecting Kazakhstan in the 7 days to 2026-10-08, with an aggregate disruption score of 233.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-08
IODA detected 2 internet outage events affecting Kazakhstan in the 7 days to 2026-10-07, with an aggregate disruption score of 233.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-07
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Kazakhstan in the 7 days to 2026-08-19, with an aggregate disruption score of 3,625.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-19
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Kazakhstan in the 7 days to 2026-08-18, with an aggregate disruption score of 3,625.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-18
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Kazakhstan in the 7 days to 2026-08-17, with an aggregate disruption score of 3,625.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-17
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Kazakhstan in the 7 days to 2026-08-16, with an aggregate disruption score of 3,625.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-16
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Kazakhstan in the 7 days to 2026-08-15, with an aggregate disruption score of 3,625.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-15
The site of the independent Respublika.kz.news resource was blocked across Kazakhstan in November 2025.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-01-27 · extracted by language model
Over the past year, his social media accounts have also repeatedly been blocked and posts deleted on the basis of spurious copyright complaints, and in July an unidentified individual sprayed paint over his car.
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-08-05 · extracted by language model
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Kazakhstan in the 7 days to 2026-08-13, with an aggregate disruption score of 3,625.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-13
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Kazakhstan in the 7 days to 2026-08-12, with an aggregate disruption score of 3,625.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-12
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Kazakhstan in the 7 days to 2026-08-10, with an aggregate disruption score of 558.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-10
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
2 excluded sources
- Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-02-02: aged out after 3 years.
- Eurasianet, via a site scoped search, observed 2022-01-08: aged out after 5 years.
Data jurisdiction
What happens to corporate or client data I carry into the jurisdiction?
moderate confidence1 independent source
Why this score (1 source)
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored KAZ 2.08 of 4 on how far privacy protection law shields communications from government access, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Border device risk
How likely is my device to be searched, imaged, or seized at the border, and can I be compelled to unlock it?
good confidence5 independent sources
No reports were found of devices being searched, imaged or seized at this border, or of travellers being compelled to unlock them. The score below is drawn from general indicators for this country rather than from anything observed about this risk, so it describes an absence of reports rather than evidence that the risk is absent.
What the score rests on (5 indirect sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored KAZ 1 of 4 on due process in civil and criminal matters.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
Kazakhstan - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2026-08-18 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for Kazakhstan: no advisory against travel in force.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-10-13 · written for GBR nationals
Kazakhstan: Take normal security precautions
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-15 · written for CAN nationals
Kazakhstan (Kasachstan): No travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-02-27 · written for DEU nationals
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Trend
The overall score is up 4.8 points over 61 days, from 55.7 to 60.5. Most movement is the event overlay decaying rather than anything happening: a news signal loses half its weight every three weeks, so a score drifts back toward its structural baseline on its own. A step that holds is the one worth reading.
Check this yourself
These are not inputs to the score for Kazakhstan. They are where to look if you want to test what is above against something we did not use.
- OONI ExplorerMeasured tests of website and app blocking, updated continuously by volunteers running probes in country. Not used in our scores: its licence forbids commercial use.
- IODA outage recordThe full outage history behind any continuity events shown above, including the measurement methods that detected them.
- FCDO travel adviceThe UK government view, written for UK nationals.
- US State Department travel advisoriesThe US government view, written for US nationals.
Sources
This assessment draws on 16 sources: Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise; CIVICUS Monitor country updates; Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search; Freedom House, Freedom in the World; Freedom House, Freedom on the Net, obstacles to access; Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis; Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories; Global Partners Digital, World Map of Encryption Laws and Policies; International Telecommunication Union, Global Cybersecurity Index; Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Overseas travel safety information; Open Observatory of Network Interference, OONI measurement data; UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice; US Department of State, Travel Advisories; V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project; Vlast, via a site scoped search; World Justice Project, Rule of Law Index, sub-factor 4.6. Every contributing claim is quoted with its origin and date above. Model version 0.12.0, computed 2026-10-16.
If something here is wrong, say so. Corrections are handled in public, and we correct because the evidence is wrong, not because someone objects.