Abstract
[Purpose] In the context of the rapid spread of digital technologies, the legal mechanisms that regulate the activities of government bodies in Kazakhstan lag behind practical needs. This gap gives rise to legal risks and institutional fragmentation. The purpose of the study is to identify regulatory gaps in the digital transformation of government bodies in Kazakhstan and develop proposals for their elimination. [Methodology/approach/design] The main method used is normative-dogmatic analysis, supplemented by a systems approach and legal modelling. The authors note that existing norms are adopted reactively and do not provide sufficient certainty for the subjects of electronic interaction. [Findings] The author analyses the main achievements of digitalization. Particular attention is paid to data protection issues and the lack of a unified law on cybersecurity, which, according to the authors, hinders citizens' trust in online services. [Practical implications] The relevance of the study is enhanced by the importance of digital transformation for post-socialist countries that need to overcome the legacy of centralized governance. Additional significance is given to the problem by Kazakhstan's high rating in global e-government indices, which contrasts with the remaining legislative gaps. [Originality/value] The authors substantiate the need to adopt a codified act that should unify terminology and eliminate gaps. It is proposed to expand the scope of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan of 6 April 2016 No. 480-V “On legal acts” by including digitalization and cybersecurity in the list of coded areas.