On January 20, the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis approved in the first reading amendments to the law "On Personal Data," paving the way for the official launch of international payment systems, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. The innovations will allow storing some data abroad while strictly adhering to security standards, which will remove previous barriers for global financial services.
Now, millions of citizens and tourists will be able to make contactless payments using smartphones and smartwatches. Apple Pay enables fast payments via iPhone and Apple Watch with data encryption and Face ID/Touch ID protection, while Google Pay allows Android device owners to pay by tapping their smartphone to a terminal.
The bill has already been sent to the Senate, and after it comes into force, residents of the country will be able to forget about plastic cards: a smartphone will be enough. This innovation not only simplifies everyday transactions but also makes Uzbekistan more attractive to tourists who are ready to use familiar digital payment methods throughout the country.