Report on NymVPN Lecture at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU)
Lecture Topic: Who’s Afraid of Anonymity: How We Lost Privacy – and How We Can Get It Back
Venue: Faculty of Physics and Technology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU), Almaty, Kazakhstan
Date: February 4, 2026
About the University
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) is the largest and one of the most prestigious universities in Kazakhstan. Founded in 1934, it is consistently ranked among the top universities in Central Asia and is recognized internationally for its research output and academic standards.
The university offers a wide range of programs across natural sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. The Faculty of Physics and Technology is known for preparing specialists in technical and scientific fields, including applied physics, engineering disciplines, and high-tech research areas.
Event Overview
Today’s lecture was held at the Faculty of Physics and Technology and brought together third-year students from technical programs, as well as several faculty members.
The session lasted approximately one hour and focused on digital privacy, surveillance infrastructure, and the practical relevance of anonymity tools in modern technological ecosystems.
The discussion was especially engaging: students clearly understood the technical and societal dimensions of the topic and demonstrated thoughtful engagement with the material. Their questions and reactions reflected both awareness and agreement with many of the core ideas presented during the lecture.
Follow-Up
After the session, the organizers asked whether they could introduce me to other faculties that might also be interested in hosting a similar lecture.
This signals not only academic curiosity, but also institutional openness to expanding the conversation around privacy, cybersecurity, and digital responsibility within a broader technical audience.