Kazakhstan takes major step in judicial openness with live-streaming trials

 

The digital transformation of judicial systems is reshaping legal processes worldwide, including in Europe, where many countries are integrating technology to improve efficiency and accessibility, El.kz reports citing moderndiplomacy.eu.

 

For instance, German courts have integrated artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline legal processes. The UK Supreme Court has also embraced digital innovation, conducting virtual hearings.

 

Yet, it is not just European nations that been expanding the use of digital tools in the judiciary. This trend has also reached Kazakhstan, which has been incorporating live-streamed court hearings to enhance transparency and public engagement.

 

Kazakhstan’s push for judicial digitalisation is part of a broader national transformation into an IT-driven economy. In 2023, the country ranked 24^th in the Global E-Government Development Index, outperforming several advanced economies, including Switzerland, Türkiye, France, and Canada. A major contributor to this has been the digitalisation of the judiciary, which encompasses automated case distribution, AI-assisted legal decision-making, and the introduction of smart courtrooms.

 

According to Kazakh officials, with over 1,176 electronic courtrooms in operation, judicial services are now accessible remotely, with the aim of ensuring that legal proceedings continue efficiently without geographical constraints. Furthermore, the Virtual Court Office has simplified interactions between the public and the judiciary, with over 95 percent of legal documents now filed electronically.

 

 

Kazakhstan took a major step in judicial openness with the live-streaming of high-profile court cases, a move that has been met with considerable international attention. The trial last year of Kuandyk Bishimbayev, a former Minister of Economy, was one of the first trials to be broadcast online in real-time. This case was an example of a new era of judicial transparency, allowing millions of people, both in Kazakhstan and abroad, to witness the judicial process first hand. The trial was covered by leading international media outlets, including Reuters, The Washington Post, Associated Press, BBC News, and Al Arabiya. There were around 100 million views across platforms on social media. Foreign audiences, including viewers from the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, the UAE, and South Korea, followed the proceedings.

 

Beyond transparency, the trial also prompted national discourse on domestic violence laws, leading to swift legislative reforms criminalising bodily harm and strengthening protections for women and children. The combination of public engagement and digital broadcasting played a direct role in shaping policy, which demonstrated how technology can be used for social justice.

 

In addition to live-streamed trials, Kazakhstan has introducedautomated case distribution, which facilitates greater impartiality in court proceedings. Digital courtrooms now rely on AI to assign cases, ensuring that no human interference affects the distribution of trials. This has increased the independence of the judiciary and reducing the potential for bias or corruption.

 

Kazakhstan’s courtrooms are now fully equipped with an audio and video recording system that documents proceedings. The recordings serve as an official record, capturing statements, arguments, and the behaviour of all parties involved. This has led to a significant reduction in disputes over court transcripts and has improved procedural fairness. The availability of video records has also enabled appellate courts to review cases more efficiently.

 

 

While live-streaming trials is a progressive step toward open justice, it also presents challenges. Public trials enhance accountability, but excessive media attention can create trial by public opinion, potentially influencing judicial neutrality. Privacy concerns must also be considered, as not all cases should be publicly available, particularly those involving sensitive personal data, minors, or national security matters. Cybersecurity risks are another issue, as court records moving online must be protected from cyber threats. Digital trials also require new legal frameworks, training for legal professionals, and updated procedural laws to accommodate the realities of an increasingly online courtroom.

 

Nevertheless, Kazakhstan’s digital court system provides valuable insights for other countries looking to modernise their judicial infrastructure, particularly in several other Central Asian states, where governments are aiming to enhance legal transparency, combat corruption, and improve public trust in judicial institutions. Live-streamed trials can strengthen public trust in the judiciary when applied with appropriate safeguards. AI-powered case management improves legal consistency, reducing discrepancies in verdicts. Exterritorial jurisdiction, introduced in Kazakhstan, allows litigants to choose any court in the country, ensuring fairer distribution of cases and minimising regional influence on judicial decisions.

 

 

The success of digital transformation in the judicial system is closely tied to the country’s broader technological advancements. Kazakhstan has taken steps to modernise its public administration, investing in smart cities and data-driven policymaking. The country’s President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has emphasized the need to develop AI, stating at the end of last year that “the effectiveness of artificial intelligence technology will grow every year. Therefore, we face an ambitious task to make Kazakhstan the largest digital hub in Eurasia.”

 

While digitalisation cannot replace human judgment in the legal system, it is proving to be an essential tool in modernising justice, increasing efficiency, and reinforcing the rule of law.

 

Ultimately, Kazakhstan’s experience with live-streaming court cases could contribute to discussions on judicial transparency and public engagement in Europe. Many European countries have explored digital court initiatives, but the extent of live-streaming varies across jurisdictions. Exchanging best practices on when and how to broadcast trials, ensuring judicial independence while maintaining public access, and protecting sensitive legal proceedings could be beneficial. Collaborative initiatives, such as judicial training programmes, expert exchanges, or EU-supported pilot projects, could help refine the use of live-streaming and other digital tools while addressing concerns such as privacy, cybersecurity, and potential media influence on trials.