This morning, I received a notification that the domain ****.kz is in violation of the Rules for registration, use, and distribution of domain space in the Kazakh segment of the Internet due to the server equipment being located outside the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The Computer Incident Response Service (KZ-CERT) RSE on PCV "State Technical Service" of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Informatization and Communications has requested the elimination of these violations within 10 days.

What steps should be taken in response to this situation? Should the domain remain in the zone?

Upon receiving the notification, the first step would be to carefully review the specific details of the violation mentioned and verify the accuracy of the information provided. This includes confirming the physical location of the server equipment hosting the domain and ensuring it complies with the regulations set forth by the Kazakh segment of the Internet. In parallel, it would be essential to reach out to the Computer Incident Response Service (KZ-CERT) RSE on PCV "State Technical Service" of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Informatization and Communications to clarify any ambiguities and seek further guidance on addressing the violation.

If it is confirmed that the server equipment is indeed located outside the Republic of Kazakhstan, the focus would then shift to exploring the available options for rectifying the violations within the stipulated 10-day period. This involves conducting a comprehensive technical assessment to evaluate the feasibility of relocating the server equipment to a compliant location within Kazakhstan. The impact of such a relocation, including potential downtime, data migration requirements, and associated costs, would need to be carefully analyzed. Additionally, engaging with the hosting provider, network administrators, and other relevant stakeholders to plan and coordinate this process is critical.

In parallel, open and transparent communication with the domain registrar, hosting provider, and any other relevant parties is necessary to ensure that all actions taken align with legal and regulatory requirements. Maintaining detailed records of all communications, compliance efforts, and technical processes is crucial to demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing the violation and to mitigate any potential penalties or repercussions.

Ultimately, the decision to keep the domain in the Kazakh segment of the Internet should consider the strategic importance of maintaining a presence in that specific domain zone and how it aligns with broader organizational objectives. This decision should be supported by a comprehensive evaluation of regulatory considerations, technical feasibility, and legal compliance efforts. If retaining the domain in the zone is deemed critical, proactive engagement with the relevant authorities to seek extensions for addressing the violation or clarification on the requirements would be warranted.

A complex alternative approach: acquire a less powerful virtual dedicated server (VDS) in Kazakhstan, install nginx with proxy mode, and redirect all requests to your server.

You can cache images and static content on the VDS (nginx is efficient at this).

Consequently:

+ residents in Kazakhstan will experience faster loading times for images and static content than they currently do.

- - dynamic content will load more slowly.

- The reliability of hosting, channels, and data centers in Kazakhstan is also uncertain.

A couple of years back, I received a letter that was somewhat like this one, but it didn't demand that I transfer my sites to kz hosting within just 10 days. In response, I got hosting for my sites from a domain reseller.

However, within the first month, the hosting went down at least 10 times, each time for hours. It was so frustrating that I made the decision to never again use kz hosting. I ended up moving all my sites to a European hosting service.

I can't speak for other hosting companies, but at that time, the hosting I got from my reseller was just awful, despite the support team's assurances that such issues would be resolved.