Tajik state operator Tajiktelecom has developed a national messaging application Oriz. The launch of the platform was announced by the Communications Agency of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, emphasizing the importance of the project for the country's technological independence and information security.
The new service is positioned as a completely domestic solution for secure communications. The platform supports the exchange of text and voice messages, audio and video calls, creating channels and groups, transferring media and files without restrictions, as well as video conferencing via link, including without registration.
Oriz is available for Android, iPhone, Windows and macOS, as well as in the browser. Registration is done by phone number.
On the Oriz website, the privacy policy states that the developer collects the content of sent and received messages, name, email address, profile picture, device information, as well as experience with the messenger, functions used and time spent in the messenger.
This data will be used to provide and improve services, personalize experiences, and may also be shared with service providers and law enforcement agencies “to respond to legal requirements or to protect rights.”
One of the main stated features of Messenger is stable operation at low Internet connection speeds. The service is deployed on local infrastructure: servers and data processing centers are located in the country, which, according to the operator, allows maintaining communication quality in conditions of limited bandwidth – an important factor both for remote regions of Tajikistan and for citizens abroad.
Communications Services noted that the project is a response to the growing risks of reliance on foreign digital services. The memory recalls the difficulties faced by Tajik migrants during the period of restricted access to foreign instant messaging applications, including in Russia.
