Elections of Uzbekistan. Presidential elections

Internet censorship and blockages[edit]
In January 2021, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed amendments to the law "On personal data" into place which obliged for operators processing personal data of Uzbekistani citizens to be stored in the country.^[116] According to Uzbek officials, the intent for the law was to increase the Wi-Fi speed in Uzbekistan by "ten times".^[117] However, in contrast to the government critics, the purpose for the amendments were aimed at increasing control over internet users and the content posted on social media specifically political means.^[117] The Committee to Protect Journalists organisation condemned the newly implemented law and called for the Uzbek authorities to repeal the amendments, citing that it would "introduce prison sentences for crimes including insulting or defaming the president online and making online calls for 'mass disturbances,' and make it an offense to publish statements online that urge people to violate the law and threaten public order, or show 'disrespect' to the state."^[116]