Senate approves key law enabling Apple Pay and Google Pay in Uzbekistan

On February 5, during the 13th plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, lawmakers approved amendments to the Law “On Personal Data,” the Senate press service reported.

The amendments pave the way for international payment systems such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal to operate in the country. According to the session, many Uzbek developers and freelancers currently use international digital platforms to work with foreign clients. However, payments on platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, Envato, and Storyblocks are primarily processed via PayPal, which does not fully support bank cards issued in Uzbekistan.

The main obstacle has been the existing legal requirement that personal data must be stored exclusively within Uzbekistan’s territory. This restriction has limited the entry of international payment systems into the Uzbek market.

According to the Senate press service, the new amendments address this issue. Now, only certain types of personal data—biometric, genetic, and telecommunications-related—must be stored within Uzbekistan. Other data may be stored and transmitted abroad, provided specific security standards are met.

Additionally, the Cabinet of Ministers will have the authority to approve a list of countries where personal data security is guaranteed.

Senators noted that the law will support the development of fintech, e-commerce, and the digital economy, provide legal and transparent payment mechanisms for freelancers, and expand contactless payment options for foreign visitors.

It is worth noting that the Senate had previously approved a law introducing Islamic banking activities in Uzbekistan during a prior plenary session of the Oliy Majlis.

Jamshidbek Amirov