Crypto-friendly messaging app Telegram has decided to open a local office in Kazakhstan to increase communication and compliance with regulators. This step is considered an important development considering Telegram’s increasing user base and presence in the country.

According to the statement made by the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Space Industry of Kazakhstan on October 14, 2024, Telegram agreed to appoint a local representative and open an office in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Minister Zhaslan Madiyev emphasized that Telegram’s physical presence in the country will be an “important step” to increase content control on the messaging platform. This measure stands out as part of Telegram’s goal to increase its influence and user interaction in Kazakhstan.

The number of Telegram users in Kazakhstan is quite remarkable. According to the information provided by Durov, 12.5 million Kazakhs come every month, representing more than half of the country’s 20 million population. This number represents an increase of 25% compared to 2023. This increase shows that Telegram’s popularity and influence is increasing.

In the meetings where Kazakh officials met with the US Chamber of Commerce and representatives of major US technology companies such as Meta and Apple, issues such as data protection, anti-fraud and fake accounts were also discussed.

Kazakh authorities are actively cooperating with Telegram to quickly remove illegal content and block illegal channels. “We are cooperating with Telegram to quickly remove illegal content and block illegal channels,” Madiyev said.

In this context, it was also stated that Telegram, along with other internet platforms such as WhatsApp and TikTok, will need to have a representative in Kazakhstan.

Telegram’s decision to open an office in Kazakhstan comes after Durov increased scrutiny of illegal activities in France. Following the accusations against Durov by French authorities in late August, Telegram took a more active role in blocking illegal activity on the messaging app.

In September, Durov announced that Telegram was forwarding the IP addresses and phone numbers of users who violated the application rules to the competent authorities.

Telegram’s efforts to update its search engine to remove “problem” content and use artificial intelligence to detect illegal content support the company’s compliance goals.

The office in Kazakhstan stands out as one of the first offices established to achieve Telegram’s compliance goals. This situation offers important clues about Telegram’s future developments.

Telegram’s office in Kazakhstan is considered as a step that can help the company gain more respect at the international level by being included in a broader compliance and communication strategy. These developments will strengthen Telegram’s position in the global market and reinforce its efforts to increase the security of its users.