Uzbekistan Moves to Strengthen Cybercrime Prevention

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan’s Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis has reviewed a draft law aimed at strengthening the fight against offenses committed using information technologies.

Amid the growing scale of cybercrime, lawmakers emphasized the need to improve legal and organizational mechanisms to protect the interests of citizens, society, and the state. In recent years, there has been an increase in cases involving theft from bank cards and various forms of online fraud, requiring a comprehensive response.

The draft law clarifies the powers of state bodies and organizations involved in countering cybercrime. In particular, the Ministry of Internal Affairs is designated as the authorized body in this area.

Responsibility is also increased for banks, payment organizations, and internet providers. They are tasked with ensuring information security, continuously monitoring suspicious financial transactions, and promptly providing data to authorized authorities.

The document introduces a rehabilitation mechanism for victims of cybercrime. It предусматривает legal, psychological, and medical assistance, protection of victims’ lawful interests, and measures to enhance their financial and digital literacy.

According to Javlon Abdullaev, deputy chairman of the Committee on Innovative Development and Information Technologies, the bill also includes mechanisms for early detection and prevention of cybercrime, such as the rapid blocking of suspicious transactions and strengthened public awareness efforts.

Particular attention is given to combating financial pyramids, with proposed mechanisms for early identification and suppression of such schemes.

The draft law also covers issues related to training and professional development of personnel, as well as the expansion of international cooperation in countering cybercrime.

Following the discussion, the document was approved in the first reading.