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.
Saudi Arabia said its air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it could enter prohibited airspace over the holy city, as attacks...
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is outlining the EU's priorities in her annual State of the Union address, covering security...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was carrying out tests on a new weapon to intercept dron...
U.S. Central Command said 101 commercial vessels have been redirected in the Strait of Hormuz, while oil prices rose more than three per cent amid fresh regional attacks and supply concerns.
U.S. President Donald Trump has again said Iran is keen to reach a deal quickly, but a senior Iranian security official rejected the claim, saying Tehran will not negotiate until its conditions are met.
A Russian strike on a farm warehouse in Pryluky, north-central Ukraine, has killed at least three people, local police said. Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said an attack on a train near the Polish border was an attempt to intimidate Ukraine's allies.
A Danish military helicopter came within “metres” of being struck by flares fired by a Russian warship, Denmark's Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said on Tuesday. Russia accused Denmark of carrying out “dangerous manoeuvres” near its ship, and said it was investigating the incident.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is outlining the EU's priorities in her annual State of the Union address, covering security, support for Ukraine, trade with China, migration, climate and artificial intelligence.
At least 12 Palestinians, including five children, were killed after a seven-storey apartment building in Gaza collapsed overnight, leaving dozens trapped beneath the rubble.
Türkiye has completed production of its first lunar spacecraft, with the probe now undergoing tests ahead of a planned launch in early 2027.
Kazakhstan and South Korea have agreed to upgrade relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, as the two countries discuss nearly $19 billion in projects spanning energy, critical minerals and infrastructure.
The opening day of the 24th Arab Media Summit in Dubai highlighted how geopolitical, economic and technological upheaval is reshaping not only the region, but the media industry itself.
Georgia's move to comply with U.S. sanctions on Iranian airlines has sparked a diplomatic exchange with Tehran, as Tbilisi faces growing scrutiny in Washington over its ties with Iran, Russia and China.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment