The state-owned operator “Tajiktelcom” has unveiled its own Oriz messenger, developed as a national platform for secure messaging and calls. The launch of the project was announced by the Communications Service under the Government of Tajikistan, emphasizing that Oriz holds strategic importance for the technological independence and information security of the country. The application supports text and voice chats, audio and video calls, creation of groups and channels, as well as video conferencing via link without mandatory registration. The platform is available on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and through a web interface, with registration conducted via phone number.
The privacy policy of the service provides for the collection of extensive data, including message content, username, profile photo, email address, technical device information, and activity statistics. This information, according to details on the official website, can be used for personalization, and shared with service providers and third parties in response to legal requests.
In a landscape dominated by global players like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, Oriz’s introduction is a bold move. While offering similar features such as end-to-end encryption, group chats, and multimedia sharing, Oriz’s strategic significance lies in its promise of prioritizing national data security and sovereignty, a concern increasingly relevant in today’s digital world.
Notably, Oriz faces the challenge of building trust among users, particularly regarding data privacy standards. Unlike established competitors, Oriz must align its privacy protocols with global standards like GDPR in Europe to avoid potential backlash from privacy advocates.
As Tajikistan steps into the global spotlight with Oriz, the app’s success will not only hinge on technological capabilities but also on its ability to convey trust and reliability. Market adoption could be influenced by regional initiatives to promote digital independence, and potential collaboration with neighboring countries interested in secure communication solutions.
With the ongoing technological advancements, Oriz is poised to become a cornerstone in Tajikistan’s digital ecosystem, reflecting a broader trend towards prioritizing national data governance and information security. Analysts will be closely watching how Oriz evolves in the coming years and its potential to inspire similar regional initiatives.
