Senate approves digital evidence law to modernize legal system

Initially rejected in mid-2022, the bill was later revised and reintroduced for consideration. After receiving approval from the Legislative Chamber in August 2024, the bill was endorsed by the Senate with updates that incorporated feedback from previous reviews. Ilkhom Abdullaev, head of the Committee on Innovation Development, Information Policy, and Information Technology, noted that the adjustments addressed all raised concerns.

The legislation aims to close procedural gaps in the justice system by formally defining digital evidence and setting standards for its collection, storage, and courtroom use. Electronic data, as defined in the law, includes information generated and stored through digital devices and information technologies.

The Senate emphasized that the law seeks to enhance the nation's legal framework, aiming to strengthen Uzbekistan's standing in international rankings. Additionally, the final version of the bill removed earlier provisions that required companies to supply electronic data on physical media when requested by law enforcement.