A new draft law has been developed in Uzbekistan to protect the rights of internet users and ensure safety and transparency on online platforms. This document aims not only to guarantee citizens' right to information but also to fill the legal gaps in the modern digital environment.
The draft law has been developed in collaboration with state and public organizations, media professionals, legal experts, and representatives of the IT sector.
What is the law about?
The document is titled "On the Protection of the Rights of Users of Online Platforms and Websites." According to it, users will have the rights to access information, express their opinions freely, and use the internet safely.
Additionally, the scattered and inadequately defined norms in legislation regarding information disseminated through online platforms and websites will be fully systematized.
Key principles
The draft law is based on the following priority principles:
- Legality — online activities must be conducted within the framework of existing laws;
- Priority of user rights — the right to access information, express opinions, and ensure safety is guaranteed;
- Environment free from censorship — freedom is ensured in content not prohibited by law;
- Transparency and security — measures against the dissemination of illegal information and protection of personal data are ensured.
Not complete blocking — gradual measures
If online platforms do not cooperate systematically with the authorized body, access speed to them in Uzbekistan may only be reduced based on a court decision. This marks a departure from the practice of harsh blocking in internet activities.
Steps against bloggers, anonymous profiles, and cybercrimes
The project revisits some heavy and difficult-to-implement norms introduced for bloggers in existing legislation. It also includes effective solutions against anonymous profiles, channels, and groups, as well as legal mechanisms against modern cyber threats — phishing and spam.
Abandonment of penalties and sanctions
No financial sanctions or fines will be imposed on platforms that fail to comply with the obligations set forth in the draft law. That is, even if the law is not followed, initial measures will be communication, explanation, and actions based on legal procedures.
MMTs are excluded
The draft law will not apply to websites registered as media. Their activities will be regulated by the law "On Mass Media."
The number of internet users is sharply increasing
The number of internet users, which was 14.7 million in 2017, reached 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 editorial team of Zamin.uz believes that the protection of the rights and freedoms of internet users will be strengthened through the new draft law, ensuring justice and security in the online environment. Stay tuned for updates!
