A new draft law proposed by the Agency for Information and Mass Communications (AOKA) aims to regulate the activities of online platforms, bloggers and Internet resources in Uzbekistan. The agency noted that the document will soften the current legislation and said that there is no reason to worry about imposing onerous obligations on bloggers.
Key aspects of the draft law:
- AOKA, as an authorized body, will monitor the activities of sites, identify illegal content and report it to the relevant law enforcement agencies.
- Bloggers and influencers will retain the status of users, but tax control over advertising revenues will be strengthened. Those who do not publish contact information may be banned from placing advertisements.
- A platform user or moderator who has failed to remove illegal content more than three times will be restricted in their activities for six months. The loading speed of such sites may also be reduced.
- The concept of “content distribution” is interpreted broadly: it includes posting, sending, and displaying. Personal correspondence is not included in this scope.
- Inviolability of personal correspondence is guaranteed. Platforms are obliged to maintain user confidentiality.
- To combat fake information, mechanisms will be created for citizens to protect their rights: they can apply to the platform or the court to remove false information.
AOKA assessed the fact that the draft law has become the subject of public discussion as a positive development. The project is currently undergoing interdepartmental agreement.
The draft law introduces new rules for users, especially bloggers and content creators, in the online space. The main focus is on a systematic fight against illegal content, protection against fake information, and ensuring transparency. AOKA sees this reform as a necessary step towards technological progress and strengthening civil society.
