Index

1-Internet shut down in Kazakhstan
2-Using a VPN if you are in Kazakhstan 

Mandatory Government certificates have been in place in Kazakhstan over the last few years and allow the Government to make changes to the content on any website as well as monitor private conversations and access log-in details.  

The government states the certificates are for the protection of information systems and are an added security feature, stressing that their installation is voluntary. Reality tells a different story as people are redirected to ‘how to install’ pages if attempting to access certain websites and social media. 

Many dis-believe the narrative from the government as censorship and surveillance become ever more common when controlling the internet. 

Internet shut down in Kazakhstan 

At the beginning of 2022, the Internet was ultimately turned off in Kazakhstan, amid protests initially around fuel prices but soon included living standards and government tactics. 

By limiting the Internet in this way, it makes it harder for people to follow events as they unfold. Governments use this tactic to suppress communication and make it harder for large groups to become organized and start protests. 

By shutting down the majority of the Internet it meant that many businesses had to close as their payment systems use the Internet. Food and taxi services had to close as their customers use apps to order their services and thousands of people couldn’t communicate with their loved ones. Our reliance on the Internet for many aspects of our lives was greatly highlighted in the few days of Internet shutdown. 

Many people in Kazakhstan are starting to use VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) as a way to access the Internet freely and uncensored. VPNs are legal and allow you to bypass any content that has been restricted or changed by the Government. 

Using a VPN if you are in Kazakhstan 

If you have installed the Government’s certificate, all is not lost. There are ways you can uninstall the certificate, and it is recommended that you do. Whilst the certificate is installed on your device your data is at risk of being taken by third parties. 

Installing a VPN will help disguise and distort your location, meaning that you will be able to access the internet and not be asked to install the Government’s certificate. The VPN will relocate your IP address so that it appears you are accessing the Internet from a different part of the world. 

As the world continues to become more and more digital the use of VPNs is on the rise as the risk of censorship and suppression of free speech continues to grow.