Parliament backs data law changes to pave the way for Apple Pay and Google Pay

The draft law was reviewed at a parliamentary session on January 20. It proposes to clearly define which categories of personal data must be stored within Uzbekistan and to establish conditions under which certain data may be processed and stored abroad.

Lawmakers noted that Uzbekistan is pursuing consistent reforms aimed at developing the financial technology sector, increasing the share of cashless payments, and boosting tourism by expanding the range of modern services available to visitors. These efforts, they said, require the introduction of advanced digital payment systems and closer cooperation with international online payment providers.

Under the proposed amendments, specific types of personal data would be subject to mandatory local storage. At the same time, the draft introduces requirements for processing and storing certain data overseas, including compliance with security standards, adherence to international norms, and fulfillment of conditions set by authorized state bodies.

Officials said the changes are expected to facilitate the entry of global payment systems into the Uzbek market, improve the investment climate, expand the digital services ecosystem, and provide residents and tourists with more convenient payment options.

The draft law was approved by deputies and submitted to the Senate for further consideration.

The initiative follows discussions held in November 2025, when President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with representatives of leading US companies, investment funds, and financial institutions during his visit to the United States. Those talks included expanding digital cooperation with companies such as Google, Meta, and NVIDIA, as well as exploring the possibility of introducing Apple Pay and Google Pay in Uzbekistan.