Programmers Without Internet: How Protests in Kazakhstan Changed Everything

Contents:

• How a programmer from Almaty overcame internet blocking and became part of media asceticism
• How a programmer from Karaganda found himself in information isolation and realized the need for the internet

How a Programmer from Almaty Overcame Internet Blocks and Became Part of Media Asceticism

At the author's request, the editors of "Code" maintain his anonymity and do not disclose Personal information.

I am a backend developer at a large company with experience working with Scala. I am also proficient in Python, Java, and JavaScript. I use Python for scripting, which allows me to optimize various processes. I also have experience working with various database management systems, which ensures reliable and efficient interaction with data. My skills and experience allow me to develop high-quality backend solutions that meet modern requirements.

I am currently a first-year MBA student. I specialized in programming during my undergraduate degree, and although I originally planned to start the semester in person in January, the pandemic and political events forced us to switch to distance learning. Senior students have been studying this way for two years now, which provides the opportunity to conveniently combine study with work, especially since classes start after 6 p.m. Distance learning has become a relevant solution, allowing for flexible time management and professional development, which is especially important in today's labor market.

Due to an internet outage, the start of the semester was delayed by a week. The university was unable to promptly notify students of the situation due to the lack of connection. The internet was restored for a few hours overnight, and was not fully restored until mid-January. We switched back to distance learning, and on February 7th, some classes returned to the university.

I work remotely, and the internet outage caused several unplanned days off. However, the company soon set up a VPN tunnel, allowing me to return to my duties. Fortunately, our company offices in Almaty remained undamaged and continued to function.

Some companies in Kazakhstan experienced VPN access disruptions and experienced downtime. January 5th and 6th are workdays, but the internet outage meant that employees were only able to return to work on the 10th and 11th. This highlights the importance of a reliable internet connection and VPN access to ensure business continuity.

I had access to I had a working VPN, but the high server load made it difficult to use for personal needs. Friends suggested a proxy server for Telegram, which allowed me to access the internet. Then a developer I knew shared a quick guide on creating my own proxy server. This experience proved useful for improving online security and privacy. Creating your own proxy allows you to control access to resources and optimize work with various services.

I learned that the internet can be blocked not only physically but also logically. This is achieved by disabling all IP addresses that provide access to resources outside the country. This approach allows you to monitor internet traffic and restrict user access to international information resources.

A VPN (virtual private network) works by creating a secure connection between your device and a remote server located in a country with internet access. When a VPN tunnel is established, all internet traffic passes through this server, allowing you to hide your real location and bypass blocking restrictions imposed in your country. So, even if access to certain resources is restricted, using a VPN allows you to access them freely.

I chose the DigitalOcean cloud platform to create a virtual private server (VPS) with internet access. When signing up for DigitalOcean, users are given a $100 credit for two months, allowing you to test the service without incurring significant costs. I set up the most cost-effective server, which costs only $5 per month, as my primary purpose was to proxy traffic. DigitalOcean offers a reliable infrastructure and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for creating a VPS.

I accessed Telegram using a proxy. The proxy server provided functionality for all internet resources, but for other sites, I needed a VPN client. This solution allowed me to safely and effectively bypass blocks and access the resources I needed online. Using a proxy and VPN client is a reliable way to ensure privacy and data security while surfing the web.

I was given internet access through Telegram, using the SOCKS5 protocol to create a VPN tunnel. Thanks to this solution, I was able to restore my internet connection in just two days after the outage, unlike many other users who experienced longer outages.

Setting up a VPN on your own VPS is a fun but challenging task, requiring programming knowledge and an understanding of the Linux operating system. For the average user without these skills, this procedure can be challenging. Successfully setting up a VPN requires considering many factors, such as choosing the right software, network configuration, and data security. Experienced users can set up a VPN on a VPS to ensure anonymity and protect their information, but beginners are better off turning to ready-made solutions or professionals in this field.

I'm glad I'm a programmer, and although I was able to cope only with the support of friends, it was amazing It feels like I have access to the internet when the internet is down in my country. Staying connected and working under restrictions highlights the importance of programming and technology skills in the modern world.

I could share my server, but I only did so with my close ones, as the number of connections directly affects the speed of work. At the same time, some programmers began opening their servers to a wider audience, allowing more users to access resources and services.

Developers are actively creating Telegram channels to share Telegram proxies, which significantly increases their audience. One of my acquaintances attracted 66,000 subscribers overnight thanks to this approach. Telegram proxies are becoming a popular tool, allowing users to bypass blocks and access the platform in restricted countries. This creates demand for quality content and increases the number of subscribers to the channels that provide this information.

This has provided people with limited access to the internet, mainly Telegram, where they can follow current news and download content to escape the information vacuum. Telegram has become an essential tool for receiving and sharing information, which is especially valuable in a climate of limited access to other resources.

During the unrest, I experienced fear and uncertainty. Sitting at home, I had no idea what was happening outside my apartment, and this caused deep anxiety. The inability to learn about the current situation increased feelings of helplessness and tension. In such moments, it is important to stay informed by turning to trusted sources of information to minimize fear and panic.

Residents of the city center experienced true terror. One acquaintance shared that he and his neighbors avoided going near their windows for four days, feeling like they were in a state of war. Stress and anxiety became part of their daily lives, and an atmosphere of tension permeated the entire neighborhood.

In the era before the internet, I received current news from television channels. Although most of them were state-owned, some diligently sought to present events from a more objective perspective. This allowed viewers to form their own opinions based on various sources of information.

In recent days, many central television channels have stopped broadcasting, as their editorial offices were located in the center of Almaty. Due to this, all employees were evacuated, and only television channels from Astana continued broadcasting. This event highlights the importance of the safety of journalists and media workers in a volatile situation. The current events in Almaty have led to significant changes in the country's media landscape, as well as the need to reconsider approaches to organizing the work of television channels in a crisis.

I received information from the internet via Telegram and Twitter. Differences in the news lay in the details: one source presented more data, another - less. However, overall, the information was similar.

Fake information also appeared in various reports. I observed many one-sided materials from other countries that lacked accurate information. This highlights the importance of a critical approach to news sources and the need to verify facts. In the midst of information overload, it's important to be able to distinguish reliable data from unreliable information in order to form an objective view of what's happening.

When the internet became available again, I was curious to check Twitter. Everyone I knew was offline, and I was the only active user. It felt like quarantine, when you go outside and see no one around. Eventually, I wondered what would be better: watching TV or playing PlayStation, as the internet had become boring. The internet thrives on people.

During the protests, I was at home with my parents. We had a week's worth of groceries, and there were small shops nearby. The situation in our area remained calm, despite the fact that the main events were unfolding in the city center.

The riots were happening a few kilometers away from us. We could hear the noise, but overall we remained safe. Luckily, my friends and family were not injured. Despite what was happening, we tried to stay calm and avoid panicking. It is important to remember to stay safe and support each other during difficult times.

In December, I picked up Assassin’s Creed Valhalla for PlayStation on sale, and it turned out to be a great decision. I decided to turn off the internet and enjoy the game alone. Despite the tense situation outside, I was able to relax and take my mind off the constant barrage of news and information. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in the fascinating world of Vikings, which was a great way to temporarily escape reality.

I passed the time watching movies and playing guitar and bass. My friends and I joke that we're back in the 2000s: texting, watching movies, and calling each other. One friend, who also lost his internet connection, said he'd already read his fourth book that day. Perhaps without the internet, he wouldn't have had so much time to read. In the digital age, it's important to occasionally return to simple pleasures like music and literature, which allow us to delve into creativity and self-improvement.

Reducing time spent online helps improve concentration. Modern technologies, including platforms like TikTok, are changing the way we consume information, leading users to prefer short formats. This impact is also noticeable in YouTube video traffic, where users are increasingly choosing short and concise videos.

Working on a computer requires quality rest. To reduce distractions and avoid wasting time on endless internet surfing, I plan to buy a phone with a small screen. This will help me focus on important tasks and reduce the time spent online. It is important that the device has sufficient memory for storing music, allowing you to enjoy your favorite tracks at any time without the need for a constant internet connection.

I have been at home since January 4th and went outside for the first time on the 11th. I was struck by the destruction I saw in my hometown. The situation was dire, and it made me realize the scale of the disaster that had befallen our community.

Life quickly returned to normal. Within a few days, everything was restored: the debris was removed, and local volunteers actively participated in the process. Their efforts played a key role in restoring order and cleanliness. Thanks to the community's joint efforts, we were able not only to mitigate the consequences but also to strengthen the spirit of unity among residents.

Initially, I only went outside to buy groceries, cautiously studying my surroundings. Over time, the fear began to subside, and I began to feel more confident and calm in my movements.

On January 14th, I met with friends in the city center, which was severely damaged. However, I was surprised to see that many of the shops in the area remained undamaged. This creates hope for recovery and the restoration of life in the area. The presence of intact shops testifies to the resilience of local businesses and the desire of residents to continue to support their community.

By the time of our meeting, many shops had already reopened, and we chose a cozy restaurant in one of the shopping centers for dinner.

On January 16th, my friends and I went to the mountains, located just 20-30 minutes' drive from the city. This is an ideal place for relaxation and active pastime, which made our trip especially meaningful, as we celebrated birthdays that fell during this period. The nature of the mountains, the fresh air, and the opportunity to spend time away from the bustle of the city created an atmosphere conducive to celebration and joy.

After the events of January, I do not see any significant changes in my life, except that more and more aspects are moving online. For programmers, this isn't a problem, as remote work remains convenient and productive. Remote work offers a flexible schedule and improves work-life balance, which is especially important in today's environment.

By mid-January, the situation had stabilized, but during the unrest, many began to consider relocating.

Programmers in Kazakhstan are increasingly considering moving abroad due to the country's underdeveloped IT market. There's a perception that there are more job openings and higher salaries outside of Kazakhstan. I've always aspired to work for international companies, and this desire only grows stronger every year. Relocating will allow me to expand my professional horizons, gain experience in a dynamic environment, and improve my skills. This is why many professionals choose migration to realize their career ambitions and succeed in the global IT industry.

For a programmer, working in an office or remotely makes virtually no difference. The remote format allows him to participate in international projects and earn a foreign salary while residing in Kazakhstan or any other country. This opens up new opportunities for professional growth and financial well-being.

Before starting university, I lived in Seattle, where I studied mechanical engineering at a community college. I later transferred to Minnesota, but was forced to return to Kazakhstan due to the economic crisis and rising tuition costs. This experience significantly influenced my perception of the educational system and its accessibility.

I am eager to return to Seattle, as I know the city well and love it. I am also drawn to the Scandinavian countries for their unique lifestyle and culture. At the same time, Almaty has its advantages, such as proximity and accessibility. If the opportunity to move arises, I will definitely consider it, as it could be a new and exciting chapter in my life.

How a programmer from Karaganda found himself in information isolation and realized the need for the internet

Dmitry is a full-stack web developer with experience in PHP and JavaScript. His skills enable him to create both the client-side and server-side of web applications, ensuring seamless interaction between components. Thanks to his deep understanding of technology and modern development approaches, Dmitry is able to effectively solve problems of varying complexity and offer optimal solutions for clients.

The events of January 2022 in Karaganda made a strong impression on me. About a hundred people gathered in the city's central square to express their protest sentiments. However, the situation soon calmed down. A more serious problem arose later, when the internet was disconnected during the protests. This event highlights the importance of freedom of information and communication in modern society and shows how an internet shutdown can impact public sentiment and collective citizen action.

In modern Kazakhstan, the internet plays a key role in various spheres of life, including government services, banking transactions, and access to information. The connection outage has become a serious challenge for many people, including myself, highlighting the importance of a stable and reliable internet connection for everyday life and the functioning of society.

I have no access to cable television or radio, which has led to complete information isolation. This situation has become familiar to many people, and I am no exception to the general population experiencing similar difficulties. Information isolation makes it difficult to receive current news and interact with the outside world, which negatively affects the perception of reality.

On January 5, the day the Internet was disconnected, I was at work. Communications were interrupted throughout the day, and my colleagues and I received only sporadic updates on rallies and protests. Some discussed how people had finally decided to protest against the government, but I had my doubts. I couldn't say for sure how serious these actions were or what impact they might have on the situation in the country.

After the report of gunfire, communication was completely lost. This was an unexpected turn of events, as this was the first time something like this had happened in Kazakhstan. We were anxious, but there was no panic.

Our company actively collaborates with Russian businesses, and the internet outage disrupted all business ties. We decided to temporarily suspend operations until the situation returned to normal, and employees were sent home. For a week, we were unable to complete work tasks, which negatively impacted our projects and interactions with clients. We hope for the internet connection to be restored as soon as possible so we can resume full operations and restore business relationships.

I spent five days without internet, with the first two days (January 5th and 6th) also involving my mobile phone service. I found myself completely isolated, unable to make calls or text messages. This situation forced me to reflect on technology dependence and the importance of communication in our lives. Without internet or mobile service, I felt disconnected from the world I knew, which was an unexpected and enlightening experience.

At first, I was confused by what was happening, especially since my car was being repaired and I had no way to leave. Calling a taxi also failed. The curfew only made the situation worse, and I was reluctant to leave the house.

Despite the difficult circumstances, I tried to remain calm. My understanding of various situations and my ability to act in them helped me avoid panicking.

By the end of the second day, communication was restored, but the quality of the operators' work left much to be desired. I started calling friends. Some of them had televisions working, and they shared the latest news, most of which came from Russia. This helped me better navigate the current situation and stay up-to-date.

The events of January did not affect us directly, leaving us in an information vacuum. Nevertheless, life continued as usual. Warmth and light remained with us, which is already a positive aspect of the current situation.

In the absence of internet access, I decided to devote time to reading books, walking in the fresh air, and doing household chores. During this period, I familiarized myself with various works, including specialized literature and fiction, in particular the novel "And Quiet Flows the Don." Although the plot was captivating, the complex language at times caused difficulties, as I was unable to quickly find the meanings of unfamiliar words. This highlights the importance of expanding vocabulary and deep understanding of text for a more complete appreciation of literary works.

When the internet returned to normal, I immersed myself in YouTube and TikTok content again, putting aside reading. The information I receive online is particularly valuable to me, especially in my professional life. I recognize that video formats are becoming an important source of knowledge and skills, allowing me to quickly absorb necessary information.

While some people can live without the internet, for me it would be a serious challenge. I practice an information diet from time to time, but completely abandoning the internet is impossible. It is an essential tool for work and communication. The internet provides access to necessary information and maintains connection with the outside world, making it indispensable in modern society.

With the onset of the protests, I began to consider possible escape routes, taking into account the growing nationalist sentiment in Kazakhstan. I hadn't previously paid much attention to this issue, but recent events have made me realize the situation could worsen.

When everything calmed down, I realized the danger had passed and decided to stay put. Life returned to its usual course.

After recent events, news began to arrive about social reforms, which at first glance look promising. The President is increasingly mentioning upcoming changes, which gives me some hope. However, I remain cautious in my expectations. Time will tell how these reforms will impact society and whether they will bring real improvements.

Reading is an important part of our lives, and it not only develops intellect but also enriches our inner world. Immersing ourselves in books helps expand horizons, gain new knowledge, and improve critical thinking skills. Regular reading promotes the development of imagination and creativity, which is especially relevant in the modern world. Therefore, it is worth devoting time to literature, choosing both classic works and modern bestsellers. Reading is not only entertaining, but also inspiring, allowing everyone to find their own unique story.

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