Uzbekistan is considering new measures that would make banks and payment organisations legally responsible for financial losses caused by cybercrime if those losses stem from weak cybersecurity.
Officials say the proposals are part of broader efforts to combat cybercrime as digital services continue to expand across the country.
Authorities noted that cyberattacks targeting critical information infrastructure are becoming a global challenge and are increasingly affecting Uzbekistan. As a result, companies are being urged to strengthen the protection of their information systems and adapt cybersecurity measures to address modern threats.
Under the proposed reforms, businesses could face administrative liability for failing to comply with cybersecurity and information security requirements, even if a violation does not directly result in financial losses.
The banking sector is expected to be particularly affected by the changes, as financial institutions increasingly offer remote and online services that may be vulnerable to fraud and cyberattacks.
Authorities have also proposed introducing legal responsibility for commercial banks, payment system operators and payment organisations for damages caused by cybercrime if such incidents occur because of inadequate protection of their systems.
According to officials, vulnerabilities in the systems of three banks previously led to financial losses for 3,025 clients totalling about 17 billion soums (around $1.36 million).
If adopted, the legislation would require financial institutions to strengthen cybersecurity standards and improve monitoring of digital transactions to prevent similar incidents.
The proposals come amid a sharp rise in cybercrime as internet use and digital financial services expand in Uzbekistan. The number of internet users in the country has exceeded 31 million, including around 14 million active social media users.
Officials reported that 82% of fraud cases and 76% of thefts in 2025 involved information technologies, while total financial damage to individuals and organisations exceeded 2 trillion soums (about $160 million).
Authorities say cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in digital systems, as well as limited technological awareness among some users.
During the presentation, several draft laws aimed at strengthening the legal framework against cybercrime and organised crime were discussed. These include tougher penalties for offences committed using information technologies and new regulations addressing emerging forms of digital crime.
President Mirziyoyev approved the proposed measures and instructed relevant agencies to prepare the necessary legislation.
The UN's International Maritime Organization has paused escort operations through the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo ship was reportedly attacked near...
Uzbekistan’s use of green energy sources has accounted for more than 45 per cent of its electricity generation as of on 24 June, marking a significa...
At least 235 people have been confirmed dead one day after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. Hundreds of people are believed to be trapped un...
ANEWZ can exclusively report that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to visit Azerbaijan on 1 July....
Another busy day is underway at the FIFA World Cup as Ivory Coast reached the knockouts for the first time. Ecuador stunned Germany, the Netherlands t...
Uzbekistan’s use of green energy sources has accounted for more than 45 per cent of its electricity generation as of on 24 June, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition to cleaner energy.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 24 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Fans across Uzbekistan gathered in homes, cafes and public viewing areas on Tuesday (24 June) to watch their national team take on Portugal in its second match at the FIFA World Cup, a tournament that has already made history for the Central Asian nation.
From Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-breaking night in Houston to England’s frustrating draw in Boston and Algeria’s comeback win in San Francisco, the FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered another packed day of action.
Russia has called for clarification on whether U.S. President Donald Trump has changed his position on the war in Ukraine following remarks made at the recent G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains.
As Western Europe battles a deadly heatwave that has shattered temperature records, disrupted transport and power supplies, and forced the closure of schools and cultural landmarks, attention is turning to whether El Niño is playing a role in the extreme conditions.
An earthquake of magnitude 6.9 struck Japan's northeast coast on Thursday, but no tsunami warning was issued, no injuries were immediately reported and no irregularities were found at nuclear facilities, the authorities said.
Israel's defence minister said on Wednesday Israeli troops will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, highlighting a hurdle to Iran-U.S. peace talks, as the top U.S. diplomat tours the Middle East to win over allies sceptical about a proposed deal.
The U.S. Senate rejected a resolution on Wednesday that would have directed President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress formally authorised military action.
Uzbekistan’s use of green energy sources has accounted for more than 45 per cent of its electricity generation as of on 24 June, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition to cleaner energy.
ANEWZ can exclusively report that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to visit Azerbaijan on 1 July.
The UN's International Maritime Organization has paused escort operations through the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo ship was reportedly attacked near Oman, with two U.S. officials accusing Iran of the attack.
As diplomacy helps ease tensions in the Middle East, Pakistan and Iran are seeking to turn that momentum into closer security cooperation along one of South Asia's most sensitive borders.
Mohammed Aydah, a correspondent for Saudi-owned broadcaster Al Arabiya, was killed after a bomb attached to his car exploded in eastern Yemen, the network said on Thursday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment