Technology
Kazakhstan Is Building A Surveillance State. Will China Be Its Model?
Expanding AI‑powered surveillance in Kazakhstan raises concerns of digital authoritarianism and privacy violations.
Kazakhstan is deploying tens of thousands of surveillance cameras with AI‑powered facial‑recognition software, a central digital ID system, and significant investments in artificial intelligence. Much of the hardware and software comes from Chinese vendors, including servers, telecom equipment, and surveillance cameras, and is being used in state‑run programs such as TargetEYE and the Smart Aqkol smart‑city project. The system has been used to identify activists and is integrated into residential buildings and financial services, which has prompted concerns about abuse, lack of accountability, and erosion of digital rights.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Kazakhstan
- Date added
- 2026-04-07 19:19 UTC
- Added by
- dinaasiaapdrmis
- Last updated
- Source
- https://www.rferl.org/a/china-surveillance-hikvision-dahua-huawei-kazakhstan-ai-central-asia/3354409
- Source published dsate/time
- Not provided
- Event date/time
- Not provided
- Connected threats
-
- Not Available