Uzbekistan’s Draft Law on the Protection of Online Platform Users (2025)

The draft law, submitted for public discussion in Uzbekistan in May 2025, represents a comprehensive initiative aimed at protecting the rights of users of digital platforms. It seeks to formalize and liberalize state regulation in the online environment while ensuring a balance between citizens' rights, state interests, and the responsibilities of internet companies.

The draft law is based on principles such as legality, the inadmissibility of censorship of content not prohibited by law, user rights prioritization, transparency, protection of personal data, and access to the internet. These principles are enshrined in Article 4 of the draft.

A key feature of the project is its departure from the practice of complete platform blocking. Instead, in cases of repeated non-compliance with court rulings, the law allows for the reduction of access speed to online platforms within the country (Article 16), a more proportional and less repressive measure. Full access restrictions to websites containing unlawful content are still possible if the owner fails to comply with official orders (Article 17).

Articles 5 and 6 assign responsibility for implementing the policy to the Cabinet of Ministers and the Agency of Information and Mass Communications (AIMC). The authorized body is granted extensive powers to monitor platforms, oversee law enforcement, interact with digital companies, and manage the registry of platforms subject to reduced speeds.

The draft clearly defines the duties of online platform owners. According to Article 7, they must ensure advertising transparency, interact with users and law enforcement, appoint a representative within Uzbekistan, and maintain accessibility for persons with disabilities. Platforms are also required to remove unlawful content and provide complaint mechanisms (Article 10).

User profiling is restricted, with a ban on the use of data concerning race, political opinions, and biometrics in recommendation algorithms (Article 11). Article 13 prohibits phishing and spam-related resources. The law also introduces regulations for influencers and bloggers (Articles 21−22), including responsibilities to delete false information, issue corrections, and comply with tax obligations.

Article 23 reflects the consideration of international best practices, including those from the European Union regarding digital service regulation, while maintaining a focus on national legal tools. The draft also calls for open reporting by the regulatory agency (Article 25) and public funding for enforcement activities (Article 26).

Notably, the document does not introduce new fines or sanctions. Instead, it emphasizes notifications, administrative orders, judicial rulings, and technical measures. This approach is intended to promote cooperation between the government and digital companies rather than conflict.

Overall, the draft law reflects Uzbekistan’s aspiration to develop a more civilized and modern regulatory framework for its internet space. It is centered on protecting user interests, reducing repressive tools, and supporting the growth of the country’s digital ecosystem. If adopted, the law may strengthen the legal foundation of digital technologies and increase user trust in online platforms.