Uzbekistan Proposes Slowing Access to Non-Cooperative Online Platforms
Uzbekistan has unveiled a draft law aimed at protecting users’ rights on digital platforms.
The proposed bill, titled “On the Protection of Rights of Users of Online Platforms and Websites,” allows authorities to slow access to online platforms that consistently refuse to cooperate with government institutions—provided a court order is issued.
Importantly, the law would move away from full website blocking, marking a shift in digital policy.
According to Uzbekistan’s Agency for Information and Mass Communications, internet users in the country grew from 14.7 million in 2017 to 32.7 million in 2025. Telegram leads with 28 million users, followed by Odnoklassniki (19.2 million), Facebook (2.3 million), and LinkedIn (850,000).
The law seeks to fill legal gaps regarding content distribution, clarify user rights, and ease burdens on bloggers who face strict obligations under current legislation. It emphasizes legality, prioritization of user rights, freedom from censorship, transparency, and cybersecurity.
The draft also proposes modern approaches to dealing with anonymous accounts and groups, and targets cybercrimes like phishing and spam as unlawful content. However, the legislation does not introduce any new fines or penalties for non-compliance.
Registered media outlets and their websites will remain regulated by the existing Mass Media Law.
