Uzbekistan - AI Regulation (2025)

Overview

The Draft Law on Artificial Intelligence represents Uzbekistan's first comprehensive legislative effort to regulate artificial intelligence technologies. Passed in first reading by the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis (Parliament) on April 15, 2025, the bill received overwhelming support with 150 votes in favor, 3 abstentions, and zero opposed. The legislation responds to a dramatic surge in AI-related violations, with registered cases of illegal AI-processed materials rising from 1,129 in 2023 to 3,553 in 2024. This law formally introduces the concept of artificial intelligence into Uzbekistan's legal framework and establishes general rules governing AI use in information systems and digital resources.

Definitions

The draft law introduces the formal legal definition of artificial intelligence into Uzbekistan's legislative framework. AI is broadly defined to encompass computer systems capable of performing tasks that simulate human cognitive functions, including learning, reasoning, and decision-making. The legislation addresses AI-generated content as information created wholly or substantially by AI systems. Personal data processing via AI refers to the automated collection, storage, analysis, and use of individual information through AI technologies. The law distinguishes between AI systems used for general purposes and those deployed in contexts affecting citizens' rights and freedoms, applying heightened requirements to the latter category.

Governance and Institutional Framework

The draft law notably does not establish a separate dedicated regulatory body for AI oversight. Instead, it integrates AI governance into existing institutional structures. The Ministry of Digital Technologies coordinates policy implementation in conjunction with other relevant ministries. Existing regulatory bodies maintain jurisdiction over AI-related violations within their domains, such as data protection authorities for privacy violations and media regulators for content-related offenses. Deputies in the Oliy Majlis emphasized that this approach avoids creating duplicative bureaucratic structures while ensuring that AI-specific challenges are addressed through established legal mechanisms. The law mandates coordination between agencies to address cross-cutting AI governance issues.

Key Focus Areas

• AI Content Labeling: Mandatory labeling requirements for all information resources created using AI, with content uploaders bearing compliance responsibility.
• Personal Data Protection: Administrative liability for unlawful processing of personal data through AI systems and distribution via online platforms or media.
• Fundamental Rights Protection: Explicit prohibition of AI systems designed to violate basic human rights including life, health, freedom, and dignity.
• Human Oversight in Decision-Making: Prohibition on relying solely on AI conclusions for decisions affecting citizens' rights and freedoms.
• Legal Framework Integration: Formal introduction of AI concepts into Uzbekistan's legal system and establishment of general AI usage rules.
• Combating Illegal Content: Addressing the surge in illegal AI-processed materials through clear liability provisions.
• Information System Governance: Rules for AI deployment in information systems and digital resources.
• Media and Online Platform Responsibility: Liability frameworks for platforms distributing AI-generated content or AI-processed personal data.
• Administrative Enforcement: Administrative penalty mechanisms for AI-related violations.
• Implementing Regulations: Framework for detailed procedures to be developed through subsequent regulatory measures.

Implementation Framework

Following final passage, the law will be implemented through a series of detailed implementing regulations developed by the Ministry of Digital Technologies and relevant sector ministries. The mandatory AI content labeling provisions will require specific technical standards and procedures to be established through these regulations, defining the scope, format, and placement of required labels. Entities operating AI systems or distributing AI-generated content must update their practices to comply with labeling requirements. Organizations processing personal data through AI must implement safeguards against unlawful processing and unauthorized distribution. The phased implementation approach allows time for businesses and public agencies to adapt their operations while ensuring timely enforcement of critical provisions.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Monitoring of compliance with the AI law will be conducted through existing regulatory mechanisms. The Ministry of Digital Technologies will track AI content labeling compliance through technical monitoring and complaint-based investigations. Data protection authorities will monitor personal data processing by AI systems and investigate reported violations. Media regulators will oversee compliance with content-related provisions. The dramatic increase in AI-related violations from 1,129 cases in 2023 to 3,553 in 2024 demonstrates the government's existing capacity to identify and track such cases. Regular reporting to the Oliy Majlis will assess the law's effectiveness in reducing violations and protecting citizens' rights.

Penalties, Liability, and Appeals

The draft law establishes administrative liability for AI-related violations, with specific penalties to be detailed in implementing regulations. Unlawful processing of personal data via AI and distribution of such data through online platforms or media incurs administrative sanctions. Violations of AI content labeling requirements will also be subject to administrative penalties. The law does not create separate AI-specific criminal offenses; instead, existing criminal provisions for defamation, privacy violations, and other offenses apply when AI is used as a means of commission. Appeals against administrative penalties follow standard procedures under Uzbekistan's administrative law framework. Courts have jurisdiction to review disputed enforcement actions.

Relationship to Other Instruments

The Draft Law on Artificial Intelligence complements the Strategy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence Technologies until 2030, fulfilling the strategy's objective to establish a comprehensive legal framework for AI development. The law works alongside existing personal data protection legislation, extending protections to AI-based processing contexts. It integrates with media and information laws governing content distribution. The legislation supports the broader Digital Uzbekistan 2030 initiative by providing the legal foundation for responsible AI deployment. Sector-specific regulations in healthcare, finance, and other domains will be updated to incorporate AI governance provisions consistent with this framework law.

International Alignment

The draft law reflects international best practices in AI governance while addressing Uzbekistan's specific regulatory needs. The mandatory labeling requirement for AI-generated content aligns with emerging global standards for AI transparency, similar to requirements being developed under the EU AI Act. The prohibition on AI systems that violate fundamental human rights reflects principles embodied in the OECD AI Principles and UNESCO Recommendation on AI Ethics. The requirement for human oversight in consequential decisions mirrors international standards for human-in-the-loop AI governance. The integration of AI oversight into existing regulatory structures follows models adopted by many jurisdictions during early phases of AI regulation.

Implementation Timeline

Sources and References