Kazakhstan Adopts National AI Standards, Bolstering Digital Transformation Efforts

Kazakhstan Unveils Comprehensive National AI Standards

ASTANA, Kazakhstan – Kazakhstan has taken a significant step in its digital transformation journey by adopting national standards in Artificial Intelligence (AI), a development reported by Qazinform on October 24, 2025. These seven newly adopted standards are designed to establish uniform rules for all entities working with AI technologies, including developers, businesses, and government agencies.

According to the press service of the Kazakh Trade and Integration Ministry, these standards are based on documents from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). They address critical areas such as terminology, risk management, and AI system architecture. A particular focus is placed on protecting user privacy, ensuring data security during system training and operation, and preventing unauthorized access or accidental disclosure of personal information by AI systems. The Ministry emphasized that these standards will serve as a foundation for the certification of AI-related organizations, aiming to confirm compliance with international requirements and build trust among partners and consumers both domestically and internationally.

Advancing AI Integration in Education

This broader adoption of national AI standards follows the approval of specific standards for the integration of Artificial Intelligence into Kazakhstan's education system. On September 18, 2025, a joint order was signed by Minister of Education Gani Beisembayev and Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiyev.

This framework, set to take effect from 2025-2029, outlines a unified national approach for AI use across schools, colleges, and vocational institutions. Key aspects include:

• Integration of AI topics into school curricula, starting from the 2025–2026 academic year.
• Development of digital textbooks and promotion of AI literacy among students.
• Enhancement of teacher training through a three-tier model: 'Acquire – Deepen – Create'.
• Establishment of ethical guidelines, legal regulation, personal data protection, and academic integrity.
• Special emphasis on protecting children's rights and maintaining the professional authority of teachers, with Minister Beisembayev stating that 'AI does not replace teachers — it enhances their role'.

Strategic Vision for a Digital Future

The adoption of these standards is a crucial step in implementing Kazakhstan's Concept for the Development of Artificial Intelligence for 2024-2029, approved by the government. This overarching strategy aims to leverage AI as a critical driver for economic growth and technological advancement, integrating AI technologies across various sectors.

Further underscoring its commitment to a digital future, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced the creation of a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development around September 2025. The statute for this new ministry was approved on October 16, 2025, and is set to come into force on January 1, 2026. This ministry will centralize leadership and cross-industry coordination for AI policy, digital government, cybersecurity, communications, and technical standards, aiming to position Kazakhstan as a leader in technological innovation.