While utilizing Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) is technically legal in Kazakhstan, the government maintains strict control over the digital landscape. Authorities do not explicitly ban the ownership of VPN technology, yet they actively restrict access to unlawful online content. The state-owned provider, Kazakhtelecom, holds a de facto monopoly on the country’s internet backbone, allowing for centralized management of data traffic and the implementation of widespread censorship measures when deemed necessary by state officials (2).
The legal environment allows the government to block access to resources that act as circumvention tools for prohibited content. Recent reports indicate that authorities have intensified efforts to limit access to various websites and services that aid in bypassing censorship. This includes the targeted blocking of specific VPN protocols and websites that distribute these tools, making it increasingly difficult for citizens to access unrestricted information from international sources without facing technical barriers (1).
"An October 2024 report from the Open Observatory for Network Interference (OONI), Internet Freedom Kazakhstan (IFKZ), and the Eurasian Digital Foundation found that at least 17 media sites and 73 circumvention tools were blocked in Kazakhstan, among other websites."
Surveillance remains a significant concern for internet users within the country, as the government has previously attempted to mandate the installation of a national security certificate. This root certificate would act as a machine-in-the-middle attack, enabling authorities to decrypt and monitor encrypted HTTPS traffic. Although not fully implemented for all users, the legal authority to manage cross-border internet exchange points ensures that the state retains the capability to monitor and throttle connectivity during emergencies (1).
Source:
https://freedomhouse.org/country/kazakhstan/freedom-net/2025
https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/kazakhstan
Last updated: 11-01-2026 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
