Tajikistan has launched its first national messaging app, ORIZ — a platform for messaging, voice calls, and video conferencing. According to the Communications Service under the Government of Tajikistan, the app was fully developed by Tajiktelecom, and all servers are hosted within the country.

Officials say this ensures a high level of user data protection, minimizes the risk of cyberattacks, and eliminates the possibility of third-party access to personal information.

One of ORIZ’s key features is its functionality under low internet speeds. With servers located inside Tajikistan, the app is designed to perform reliably even in remote areas or abroad, where users often face unstable connections.

“This messenger is especially relevant for Tajik migrants who lack access to high-speed internet, and in light of potential restrictions on foreign apps,” said an official source within the communications service agency.

Communications Service head Isfandiyor Sa’dullo called the launch a step toward digital sovereignty:

“We aim to offer a secure and modern communication platform. It's important that citizens trust domestic digital products,” he said.

ORIZ is available on Google Play, the App Store, for Windows and Mac, and has a web version. It supports Tajik, Russian, and English. Users can register with any phone number, regardless of their country of residence.

Key features include: text and voice messaging; voice and video calls; group chats and channels; unlimited media and file sharing; and video conferences via link, even without registration.

However, journalists from Asia-Plus reported technical issues: chat and call functions were inactive, and attempts to place a call returned an error.

The Communications Service responded that no complaints had been received earlier and that the app is still under active development.