The government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) country, Uzbekistan, exercises control over the Internet through means of restrictive polices, applying techno-savvy measures, and compelling self- censorship on the media. Until 2006, such internet controls were largely undeclared as the government denied their existence. Although internet services are not affordable for the majority of the population, it is still used by over a million people and there are over 500 internet service providers.
The government has increasingly enforced self-censorship on online media publishers, bloggers, and opposition leaders through means, such as the Mass Media Law, which holds media owners, editors, and staff members responsible for the “objectivity” of the published materials. Also, independent and foreign media, including online publishers, need to register with the Cabinet of Ministers and forbids entities with 30% or more foreign participation to establish their own media outlets in the country. Many sites including online versions of newspapers must be registered before they can be viewed by the public, some must pay taxes, and several web sites become temporarily inaccessible while being analyzed by the government. All Internet service providers and operators must individually obtain a license from UzACI. Sites cannot have information that may provoke any overthrowing of government power, instigates war and violence, contains pornography, or degrades and defames human dignity.
Overall, internet filtering is an extremely important part of the government.
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