Kazakhstan denies ATM cash-tracking database amid fraud concerns
Kazakhstan’s Anti-Disinformation Center has rejected claims about a government database tracking citizens who withdraw cash from ATMs. Officials called the allegations manipulative and false. They clarified that existing ATM cameras serve security purposes only.
ATMs in Kazakhstan have been fitted with surveillance cameras since 2016. These devices aim to prevent fraud, skimming, and theft—standard measures used worldwide to protect users. Current laws do not require recording individuals based on withdrawal amounts or frequency.
From January 1, 2026, banks must store ATM footage for at least 180 days. The recordings can assist investigations and protect both citizens and financial institutions. Authorities stressed that no system exists to monitor or log personal cash transactions.
The Anti-Disinformation Center’s statement confirms that ATM cameras focus solely on security. No legal framework supports tracking withdrawals or compiling citizen databases. Footage remains accessible only for crime prevention and legal proceedings.
