Uzbekistan clears regulatory hurdles for Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal access

The Senate of Uzbekistan has approved amendments to the country’s personal data legislation aimed at enabling the launch of Apple Pay and Google Pay, a move expected to remove regulatory barriers for international payment services and expand contactless payment options.

Photo: Senate of Oliy Majlis

The amendments were considered at the Senate’s 13th plenary session as part of a law introducing changes and additions to the Law “On Personal Data.” Lawmakers said the revisions address long-standing constraints that have limited the operation of global digital payment platforms in Uzbekistan.

Senators noted that freelance programmers and digital content creators working in Uzbekistan widely rely on international online platforms to sell software products and content to foreign clients. While some platforms allow payments via bank cards or bank transfers, others, including Upwork, Fiverr, Envato, and Storyblocks, operate exclusively through PayPal.

At present, bank cards issued in Uzbekistan do not function fully within the PayPal system. This limitation has been linked to existing legal requirements mandating that personal data be stored exclusively within Uzbekistan, as stipulated by the Law on Personal Data. As a result, access for international payment systems to the Uzbek market has been partially restricted.

The newly adopted amendments are designed to resolve these issues. The law narrows mandatory data localization requirements, stipulating that only specific categories of data, including biometric, genetic, and telecommunications-related information, must be stored within the country. Clear security requirements are introduced for the transfer and storage of other types of data abroad.

Under the revised framework, the Cabinet of Ministers is authorized to approve a list of foreign countries where adequate personal data protection is ensured, allowing cross-border data transfers under regulated conditions.

According to senators, the changes will support the operation of international online payment systems in Uzbekistan, accelerate the development of fintech, e-commerce, and the digital economy, and establish legal and transparent payment mechanisms for freelancers. The amendments are also expected to expand contactless payment options for foreign tourists.

Following deliberations, the Senate approved the law, paving the way for broader integration of global payment services into Uzbekistan’s financial ecosystem.