The rapid expansion of digital infrastructure in Uzbekistan has been accompanied by a dramatic surge in cyber threats and criminal activity in cyberspace. This article examines the cybersecurity legal framework of the Republic of Uzbekistan, focusing on the landmark Law No. ZRU-764 'On Cybersecurity' (2022) and its interaction with pre-existing legislation, including the Criminal Code, the Law on Personal Data (2019), and the Digital Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy. Drawing on official statistical data, legislative analysis, and comparative review of international standards, the study assesses whether the existing legal regime is adequate to address the scale and sophistication of contemporary cyber threats. Key findings indicate that while Uzbekistan has made significant legislative strides, critical gaps remain in enforcement mechanisms, data protection harmonisation, and institutional capacity. The article concludes with reform recommendations aligned with international best practices and the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime.
Cybersecurity In The Republic Of Uzbekistan: Legal Framework, Emerging Threats, And Prospects For Reform
DOI:
Keywords:
Abstract
References
Black Swan Law. (2023, February 27). Uzbekistan Law 'On Cybersecurity'. BSC Law Firm. https://blackswan.law/law-on-cybersecurity/
Business Upturn. (2024, February 14). Uzbekistan battled 11 million cyberattacks in 2023. https://www.businessupturn.com/technology/cyber-security/uzbekistan-battled-11-million-cyberattacks-in-2023/
CIS Legislation. (2022, April 15). Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan 'About Cyber Security' No. ZRU-764. https://cis-legislation.com/document.fwx?rgn=139485
Council of Europe. (2001). Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention), ETS No. 185. https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list/-/conventions/treaty/185
Council of Europe. (2020, May 13). The Budapest Convention on Cybercrime: Benefits and impact in practice. Cybercrime Convention Committee (T-CY). https://rm.coe.int/t-cy-2020-16-bc-benefits-rep-provisional/16809ef6ac
Daryo. (2024, August 27). Uzbekistan's cybersecurity challenge: Navigating 25-fold rise in attacks. https://new.daryo.uz/en/category/uzbekistan/pwrhtg4d0xjf
Dentons. (2022, April 22). Uzbekistan adopts cybersecurity law. https://www.dentons.com/en/insights/articles/2022/april/22/uzbekistan-adopts-cybersecurity-law
DLA Piper. (2025). Data protection laws of the world: Uzbekistan. https://www.dlapiperdataprotection.com/index.html?t=law&c=UZ
Global BIM Network. (2024). Digital Uzbekistan 2030 strategy and e-government development. https://globalbim.org/info-collection/digital-uzbekistan-2030-strategy-and-e-government-development/
Government of Uzbekistan. (2024). Digital technologies and transport: Digital Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy. https://gov.uz/en/activity_page/digital_technology
GRATA Net. (2022, May 19). Uzbekistan adopts Cybersecurity Law. https://gratanet.com/news/uzbekistan-adopts-cybersecurity-law
Kun.uz. (2022, January 7). Uzbekistan to review criminal liability for cybercrime. https://kun.uz/en/news/2022/01/07/uzbekistan-to-review-criminal-liability-for-cybercrime
Law Gratis. (2025, April 9). Cyber law at Uzbekistan. https://www.lawgratis.com/blog-detail/cyber-law-at-uzbekistan-1
Legal 500. (2025, August 7). Personal data compliance in Uzbekistan. https://www.legal500.com/developments/thought-leadership/personal-data-compliance-in-uzbekistan/
Lex.uz. (2022). Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. ZRU-764 'On Cybersecurity', April 15, 2022. https://lex.uz/en/docs/6997403
Lex.uz. (2019). Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. ZRU-547 'On Personal Data', July 2, 2019. https://lex.uz/docs/-4378782
Nematullayev, A. U. (2022). The issue of ensuring the cybersecurity of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the process of implementing the Strategy 'Digital Uzbekistan 2030'. International Journal of Business and Digital Economy, 3(1). https://inter-publishing.com/index.php/ijbde/article/view/2164
Nurilla, A. (2026, March 17). Uzbekistan adopts national cybersecurity strategy to 2030. https://www.nurilla.com/insights/uzbekistan-cybersecurity-strategy-2030.html
Special Eurasia. (2025, June 3). Rising cybercrime alarms Uzbekistan's national security. https://www.specialeurasia.com/2025/06/03/cybercrimes-uzbekistans/
Statista. (2025). Cybersecurity — Uzbekistan: Market forecast. https://www.statista.com/outlook/tmo/cybersecurity/uzbekistan
United Nations. (2021). Guide to developing a national cybersecurity strategy. UN Office of Counter-Terrorism. https://www.un.org/counterterrorism/
USAID. (2022, January). Uzbekistan digital ecosystem country assessment (DECA). https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/USAID_UzbekistanDECA.pdf