A new task force will be created to combat cybercrimes in Uzbekistan, according to a recent presidential decree on measures to further strengthen the fight against crimes committed using information technologies. The decree sets out comprehensive measures aimed at enhancing the country's fight against cybercrime, with a particular focus on preventing, detecting, and prosecuting digital offenses.
The decree outlines several important initiatives, including the formation of a task force consisting of representatives from the Central Bank, payment system operators, and the Internal Revenue Service. This group will be tasked with uncovering cybercrimes and swiftly addressing vulnerabilities in the country’s financial and digital systems.
One of the key measures introduced in the resolution is the development of a separate draft law that will standardize procedures for combating cybercrime across all relevant sectors. The law will also introduce stricter penalties for organizations failing to comply with cybersecurity regulations, as well as for individuals involved in cybercrimes using information technology.
The main part of the resolution focuses on holding organizations accountable for cybercrime-related damages. It mandates a procedure for recovering material losses from banks, payment systems, and other entities that fail to meet information security requirements, contributing to cybercrime incidents. Moreover, administrative and criminal liability will be enforced for those who allow their personal information, such as bank cards and electronic accounts, to be used in cybercrimes.
To prevent online fraud, the resolution emphasizes the need for banks and payment systems to adopt modern anti-fraud and antivirus protection systems. It also calls for measures to block fraudulent calls made by scammers using fake numbers. The government plans to release a public list of banks and payment organizations found responsible for cybercrimes due to system vulnerabilities.
In 2025, Uzbekistan will also focus on increasing digital immunity among its population through a "Cyberculture Promotion Month." This initiative will raise awareness about cybersecurity and educate citizens on how to protect themselves against online fraud and cybercrime.
In addition, a rapid response group will be formed, including experts from the Central Bank, payment systems, and internal affairs bodies. This group will be responsible for identifying and blocking bank cards involved in suspicious transactions and promptly addressing potential threats.
The resolution also calls for enhanced international cooperation to combat cybercrime and the continuous improvement of personnel skills in this critical field. Prosecutorial oversight will ensure that legislation is effectively implemented, with the goal of improving the overall quality and efficiency of cybercrime investigations.
Earlier, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched an initiative in Tashkent on April 30 to strengthen the resilience of young people in Uzbekistan against cybercrime and digital violence. The initiative, supported by the UN Trust Fund for Human Security, aims to equip individuals aged 14 to 30 with digital literacy, critical thinking skills, and awareness to tackle online threats such as cyberbullying, grooming, sextortion, hate content, and digital fraud. It also seeks to enhance institutional responses to the surge in cybercrime, which has increased nearly 17-fold in Uzbekistan over the past four years.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)