The Internet has become an indispensable element of modern life, fostering economic development, social interaction, and access to information. In Kazakhstan, a nation positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the Internet’s evolution mirrors the country’s broader aspirations1 toward digital transformation and integration into the global economy.
This report explores the current state of the Internet in Kazakhstan and the areas for continued development, examining its infrastructure, resilience, regulatory and policy environment, and emerging trends. Despite significant investments in connectivity and digital services, challenges remain, including uneven access across rural and urban areas, regulatory constraints, and cybersecurity concerns.
By analyzing key metrics, such as Internet penetration rates, and the impact of governmental policies, this report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Kazakhstan’s Internet landscape. It also highlights opportunities for growth and the role of Internet technologies in advancing Kazakhstan’s ambition to become a regional digital hub.
According to the Kazakh government, data traffic on social networks and messaging applications increased by 16% between 2021 and 2022, with a 13% increase on YouTube and a record 101% surge of traffic on TikTok. 2 According to the World Bank, 3 the share of households with access to the Internet has reached 92.9% in 2023, which is comparable to Germany (92.5%) and Russia (92.2%). It is therefore important to understand the Internet landscape of Kazakhstan from both a technical and policy perspective to better understand the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities in Kazakhstan’s Internet ecosystem, paving the way for informed decisions and strategic interventions.
The report is also available in Kazakh and Russian as well as briefs in English, Kazakh, and Russian.
Acknowledgements
This research on the digital connectivity landscape of Kazakhstan was made possible through the generous support of CAPS Unlock, whose funding enabled this study. The Internet Society extends its gratitude to staff members, as well as external experts, for their thoughtful reviews and contributions. CASSINI provided the geopolitical analysis and cartographic production for this report.
