Uzbekistan has taken a significant step in regulating artificial intelligence (AI) with the adoption of Ethics Rules for the Creation, Implementation, and Use of AI-Based Solutions (the AI Ethics RulesAI Ethics Rules, which will come into effect as of 17 June 2026.
The Rules were adopted in furtherance of the country’s broader strategic framework, including Presidential Decree No. PF-189 dated 22 October 2025 on advancing AI technologies; and Resolution No. PQ-358 dated 14 October 2024 approving the AI Development Strategy through 2030.
The AI Ethics Rules establish a foundational compliance framework applicable to all participants in the AI ecosystem operating in Uzbekistan. While framed as ethical guidelines, the Rules introduce mandatory obligations that will affect any business deploying AI in Uzbekistan, particularly in relation to human oversight, transparency, and data governance.

Who Is in Scope?
The Rules apply broadly to all AI participants, including developers of AI technologies and systems, entities implementing AI solutions and End users (both individuals and legal entities).
The regulation captures a wide range of AI technologies, including Intelligent video analytics, Speech recognition and synthesis, Decision-support systems and other data-driven AI systems capable of autonomous or semi-autonomous decision-making.

Core Objective
The primary purpose of the AI Ethics Rules is to ensure safe and responsible use of AI, and protection of human rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests. Importantly, the Rules explicitly state that AI-generated decisions must not be treated as final, reinforcing the principle of human oversight.

Key Principles
The AI Ethics Rules introduce a set of guiding principles that closely align with international best practices:

• Legality – compliance with applicable Uzbek legislation
• Human-centricity – prioritizing rights, dignity, health, and safety
• Transparency and explainability – AI decisions must be understandable
• Accountability and control – human responsibility for AI outcomes
• Fairness and non-discrimination
• Openness and transparency
• Data protection
• Reliability and security.

These principles form the backbone of compliance expectations and will likely inform future enforcement and interpretation.

Key Compliance Requirements

1. Human Oversight is Mandatory

AI systems must operate under human control, and decisions must be reviewable and final decisions must be made by humans. This is particularly critical for legally significant decisions as well as Healthcare-related applications.

2. Transparency and Explainability
Developers and deployers must ensure AI logic and decision-making processes are explainable and that the users are informed about:

• How systems function
• Permitted and prohibited uses
• Limitations and risks of AI outputs

However, the Rules do not establish specific technical standards or criteria for explainability, which may create practical uncertainty for companies when determining the level of detail and transparency required to ensure compliance.

3. Data Protection Obligations
AI participants must comply with existing legislation, including laws on personal data protection, personal data protection cybersecurity, as well as legislation on government secrets, banking secrets, and trade secrets laws.  Unlawful processing of personal data is expressly prohibited.

4. Bias and Non-Discrimination Controls
AI systems must not result in discrimination based on gender, race, nationality, language, religion, beliefs, social origin, or status. Developers are required to actively prevent algorithmic bias.

5. Reliability and Security
AI systems must operate accurately and reliably, minimize risks of error and ensure secure storage and processing of data.

Rights and Obligations of AI Stakeholders
The law stipulates the rights of the Developers and Implementers, which include:

• Developing AI systems in compliance with the Rules
• Protecting intellectual property rights
• Proposing improvements to the regulatory framework.

While these stakeholders have the following key obligations:

• Ensuring transparency of algorithms
• Preventing bias
• Informing users of risks and limitations
• Maintaining system security
• Ensuring human oversight
• Providing user guidelines.

On the other hand, users have the following rights:

• Receiving clear information about AI systems
• Access to transparent and secure AI tools
• Requesting explanations of AI decisions
• Filing complaints with authorities.

Likewise, users have following obligations:

• Using AI in accordance with applicable rules
• Protecting personal and restricted data
• Respecting intellectual property rights
• Avoiding harmful or unlawful use.

Practical Implications for Businesses
Companies operating in Uzbekistan or deploying AI solutions in the jurisdiction should:

• Audit existing AI systems for compliance with transparency, explainability, and human oversight requirements
• Review data governance frameworks to ensure alignment with local data protection laws
• Implement internal AI policies reflecting ethical and legal obligations
• Train employees on responsible AI use
• Document AI decision-making processes to ensure accountability
• Monitor further regulatory developments, particularly in relation to enforcement practices and potential clarification of explainability standards.

Organizations in high-risk sectors (e.g., healthcare, finance, public services) should pay particular attention to human-in-the-loop requirements.
If you have any questions regarding the application of the new rules or the need to assess the compliance of your activities, our team will be happy to provide the necessary legal support.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is of a general nature only and is intended to familiarize you with the matters of your interest.  The effect and application of laws may vary depending on the specifics of your situation. Due to the changing nature of laws, regulations and norms, you should not rely, for legal advice, on statements or representations made within the Website. If you need legal advice upon which you intend to rely during your legal affairs, please consult us.
 
Gulnoza Abdurakhmonova