Uzbekistan has legally established the monitoring of media publications for extremism

In Uzbekistan, media monitoring for extremism has been enshrined into law

In Uzbekistan, media monitoring to identify extremism-related materials has been legally approved. The checks will also extend to publications in telecommunication networks and the internet. Relevant amendments have been made to the Law "On Countering Extremism", which the President signed on November 2.

The document is supplemented with a new Article 5-3 dedicated to the monitoring of threats and risks associated with extremism. It is defined as the collection, analysis, and evaluation of information on processes that create conditions for the emergence of extremism.

Such work will be conducted by state bodies involved in countering extremism, as well as other agencies endowed with relevant powers.

According to Article 11, one of the methods for identifying extremist materials will be the monitoring of information posted in the media, telecommunication networks, on websites, pages, and other internet resources.

In addition, authorized bodies will be able to find such materials during inspections, when reviewing appeals from citizens and organizations, as well as reports published in the mass media. The law also allows for other methods not prohibited by legislation.

Certain provisions of the law concern citizens convicted of crimes related to extremism. Until their criminal record is expunged or removed, they are prohibited from engaging in journalistic, educational, and psychological activities, as well as acting as founders of mass media outlets.

Thus, the restrictions do not affect all journalists and media representatives, but only individuals convicted of the relevant crimes. The ban remains in effect until the criminal record is expunged or removed.

At the same time, the law provides for social adaptation measures for such citizens. They will be provided with social, legal, medical, and psychological assistance, as well as support in receiving an education, learning a profession, and finding employment. After serving the sentence, an individual adaptation program can remain in effect for up to one year.

The results of the monitoring of threats and risks will be used within the framework of state policy on the prevention of and fight against extremism. In particular, they will be taken into account when developing the relevant state program. Its preparation will be handled by the State Security Service jointly with other agencies, and the document will be approved by the President.