A new law regulating online activities has been developed in Uzbekistan

A new draft law has been developed in Uzbekistan to protect the rights of Internet users and ensure security and transparency on online platforms. This document is aimed not only at guaranteeing citizens' right to information, but also at filling legal gaps in the modern digital environment.

The draft law was developed jointly with government and public organizations, media professionals, lawyers, and representatives of the IT industry.

What is the law about?

The name of the document is "On the Protection of the Rights of Users of Online Platforms and Websites." According to it, users will have the right to receive information, freely express their opinions, and use the Internet safely.

In addition, the scattered and insufficiently defined norms in the legislation regarding information distributed through online platforms and websites will be fully systematized.

Basic principles

The draft law is based on the following priority principles:

• Legality — online activities must be carried out within the framework of current laws;
  
• Priority of user rights — access to information, expression, and security are guaranteed;
  
• Censorship-free environment — freedom of content not prohibited by law is ensured;
  
• Transparency and security — measures against the spread of illegal information and protection of personal data are ensured.
  

Not complete blocking — gradual measures

If online platforms do not systematically cooperate with the authorized body, access to them in Uzbekistan may be reduced only by court order. This is a move away from the practice of drastic blocking of Internet activities.

Steps against bloggers, anonymous profiles and cybercrime

The draft law revises some of the burdensome and difficult-to-implement norms introduced in the current legislation for bloggers. It also provides for effective solutions against anonymous profiles, channels and groups, and legal mechanisms against modern cyber threats - phishing and spam.

Punishments and sanctions waived

No financial sanctions or fines will be imposed on platforms that fail to fulfill the obligations set out in the draft law. That is, even if the law is not complied with, measures will first be taken based on dialogue, explanation and legal procedure.

NGOs left out

The draft law does not apply to websites registered as media outlets. Their activities are regulated by the Law "On Mass Media".

The number of Internet users is growing rapidly

The number of Internet users, which was 14.7 million in 2017, will reach 32.7 million by 2025. The most popular platforms are:

- Telegram — 28 million
- Odnoklassniki — 19.2 million
- Facebook — 2.3 million
- VKontakte — 1.5 million
- LinkedIn — 850 thousand
- Twitter — 250 thousand

The Zamin.uz editorial team believes that the new draft law will strengthen the protection of the rights and freedoms of Internet users and ensure justice and security in the online environment. Follow the news! Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!