Calls from unknown numbers: Kazakhstan prepares major change

Kazakhstan is preparing a significant change to its telecommunications system, introducing mandatory caller identification for all calls originating from legal entities. This new system will display the name of the company on the recipient's phone screen, regardless of whether the number is stored in their contacts.

Rostislav Konyashkin, First Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, stated that the initiative is part of recently adopted laws designed to combat cyber fraud. "When you receive a call from a legal entity, its name will immediately appear on your screen, even if the number is not saved in your contacts," Konyashkin explained, emphasizing the system's role in reducing risks associated with fraudulent activities.

While the technical work is underway, Konyashkin could not provide an exact launch date, noting that further clarification is needed from the Telecommunications Committee and the ministry's press service. The system is intended to empower Kazakhstanis to better identify calls from legitimate organizations and differentiate them from potentially deceptive ones.

This development follows warnings from the Interior Ministry about emerging online fraud schemes. Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create deepfakes of public figures to promote fraudulent investment projects. The mandatory caller identification aims to provide a crucial layer of security against such evolving threats.

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Yes, under the recently adopted laws, we have introduced mandatory caller identification for businesses. We believe this will significantly reduce the risks of cyber fraud and fraudulent activity. In other words, when you receive a call from a legal entity, its name will immediately appear on your screen, even if the number is not saved in your contacts.