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Kazakhstan is set to overhaul its system for verifying mobile phone numbers, moving the responsibility from private companies to a state-owned entity. This significant change aims to address public concerns and streamline the verification process.

State Takes Over Verification Services

Rostislav Konyashkin, First Vice Minister of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry, announced that a fundamental decision has been made at the government level to transfer phone verification services to a 100% state-controlled company. This move signifies a shift towards state monopoly in this sector.

"The issue has been reviewed with the participation of the government, and a decision has been made that a state organization will provide the phone verification service," Konyashkin stated. Legislative changes are currently being drafted to support this transition. Once approved by the Parliament (Mazhilis), the state company will officially assume these duties.

Addressing Consumer Complaints

The decision comes in response to widespread complaints from Kazakh citizens regarding the mandatory verification of mobile devices using IMEI codes. Previously, a private company, lacking official status and legal grounds, was reportedly handling this process outside of a competitive tender.

Member of Parliament Bolatbek Nazhmetdinov had officially questioned the government about this arrangement, expressing concern over the lack of transparency and proper procedure. This highlights a growing demand for accountability in digital service provision.

Background on Device Registration

This development follows earlier updates to Kazakhstan's mobile device registration rules. The system introduced white, gray, and blacklists for subscriber devices. Devices passing verification and entered into the database were placed on the white list. Those requiring further checks but allowed temporary network access (up to 30 days) were put on the gray list. The black list included devices with incorrect or altered identification codes, missing factory IMEI numbers, or those listed on the international GSMA blacklist.

However, the new system faced backlash, with numerous complaints surfacing on social media. Reports emerged of smartphones, particularly those purchased abroad or second-hand, becoming unusable. The system reportedly began rejecting IMEI codes, while intermediaries emerged offering to resolve the issue for substantial fees, ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 tenge.