Uzbek Senate Approves Law Adapting Personal Data Rules to Support International Online Payments

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — At its 13th plenary session, the Senate of Uzbekistan reviewed and approved the law “On Amendments and Additions to the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan ‘On Personal Data.’”

During the discussion, it was noted that the number of freelance programmers in Uzbekistan, working on international digital platforms and selling software products and digital content to foreign clients, has been growing.

While some popular platforms allow payments via bank cards or bank transfers, services such as Upwork, Fiverr, Envato, and Storyblocks accept payments only through PayPal. At the same time, cards issued in Uzbekistan are not fully supported by PayPal due to the existing requirement that personal data be stored exclusively within the country, as stipulated by the Law “On Personal Data.” This restriction has limited the entry of international payment systems into the Uzbek market.

The approved amendments remove these restrictions, enabling international online payment systems to operate, accelerating the development of fintech, e-commerce, and the digital economy, while ensuring legal and transparent payment mechanisms for freelancers.

The law also expands contactless payment options for foreign tourists and establishes clear rules for the storage and transfer of personal data. Only specific categories of data—related to biometrics, genetics, and telecommunications—must remain within Uzbekistan. For other categories of data transferred and stored abroad, strict security requirements are imposed. The Cabinet of Ministers is granted the authority to approve the list of countries where personal data protection is guaranteed.

Senators emphasized that the new law strengthens the legal and regulatory framework for e-commerce and creates more favorable conditions for citizens and entrepreneurs working with international online platforms.