The State Center for Personalisation under the Cabinet of Ministers ('SPC') issued, on 25 February 2021, a statement to clarify the impact of data localisation rules on social networking platforms. In particular, the SPC recalled that from 16 April 2021, such platforms with servers containing personal data of Uzbek citizens will have to physically bring the same to Uzbekistan, pursuant to Article 27-1 of Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan of 2 July 2019 No. ЗРУ-547 on Personal Data ('the Law on Personal Data'). In this regard, the SPC clarified that the data localisation rule applies only to information such as names, phone numbers, and passport information used by citizens to register on the network, and this does not include any database containing posts, comments, and uploaded multimedia. Furthermore, the SPC noted that foreign entities may keep their databases independent and will not be required to provide access to any government agency.

In addition, the SPC highlighted that if platforms refuse to bring their servers to Uzbekistan or do not reach an agreement, their case will be taken to court, and if the court finds that there is a violation of the Law on Personal Data, it may issue a ban on the platform's activities in the territory of Uzbekistan. Finally, the SPC confirmed that it will introduce a normative document on the implementation and technical conditions of the data localisation rule in the coming days.

You can read the press release, only available in Uzbek, here.