Recently, new legislative changes came into effect in Uzbekistan, establishing liability for the unlawful use of personal data through artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The law adopted on January 21 introduces strict administrative measures against those who process and publish citizens' personal data without their consent, using AI systems on the internet or in the media.
Fines for such violations range from 50 to 100 basic calculation units, which corresponds to amounts from 20.6 to 41.2 million sums (approximately from 1.7 to 3.4 thousand dollars). Additionally, offenders face complete confiscation of the equipment used to commit illegal actions.
Changes to the law "On Informatization" not only introduce penalties for violations but also provide a clear legal definition of artificial intelligence. AI is now regarded as a set of technologies capable of imitating human intelligence, learning, and solving tasks similar to human mental labor.
A key aspect of the reform is the prohibition of making critically important decisions for individuals solely based on algorithms. The law states that when it comes to fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, a decision made by an AI system cannot be the sole basis. A final decision must be made by a human. These measures aim to protect citizens from potential errors and the unscrupulous application of modern technologies.
