Volume 03 Issue 10-2023
11
International Journal Of Law And Criminology
(ISSN
–
2771-2214)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
10
Pages:
11-14
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
584
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
This article explores the Impact of Internet Regulations in Iceland & Uzbekistan on the Price of Internet Access.
KEYWORDS
Internet regulations, Iceland, Uzbekistan constitution, internet price, Iceland internet regulation, digital freedom
Iceland, net neutrality Iceland, price of internet in Iceland, Uzbekistan internet regulation, censorship Uzbekistan.
INTRODUCTION
Overview of the Icelandic and Uzbek Constitutions &
Internet Regulations
The constitutions of Iceland and Uzbekistan are very
different in terms of the internet regulations they
contain. Iceland's Constitution, adopted in 1944,
provides for freedom of expression, including freedom
of the press, speech, and opinion. The Constitution also
guarantees the right to privacy and personal data
protection. In terms of internet regulation, Iceland is
known for its strong net neutrality laws, which prohibit
internet service providers (ISPs) from discriminating
against certain types of content or services.
Additionally, Iceland has one of the highest internet
penetration rates in the world, with 98% of its
population having access to the internet.
On the other hand, Uzbekistan's Constitution, adopted
in 1992, guarantees freedom of speech and expression,
but also allows for restrictions on these rights in the
interests of national security, public order, and
morality. Uzbekistan has been criticized for its strict
Research Article
EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF INTERNET REGULATIONS IN ICELAND &
UZBEKISTAN ON THE PRICE OF INTERNET ACCESS
Submission Date:
October 01, 2023,
Accepted Date:
October 06, 2023,
Published Date:
October 11, 2023
Crossref doi:
https://doi.org/10.37547/ijlc/Volume03Issue10-03
Ochilov Asliddin
International Law and Comparative Jurisprudence Faculty, 2nd Year, Tashkent State University of Law,
Uzbekistan
Ochilovasliddin27@Gmail.Com
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ijlc
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 03 Issue 10-2023
12
International Journal Of Law And Criminology
(ISSN
–
2771-2214)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
10
Pages:
11-14
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
584
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
internet regulations, including the requirement for
ISPs to obtain licenses from the government and the
imposition of high internet prices, which limit access to
information for many citizens. In 2020, the Uzbek
government introduced a law that requires all foreign
internet companies to register with the government
and store user data within the country.
A Closer Look at Iceland's Unique Approach to
Internet Regulation
Iceland is a small country with a population of just over
340,000 people, yet it has become an unlikely leader in
the fight for digital freedom. In 2017, Iceland passed a
law that enshrines net neutrality and guarantees its
citizens access to the internet without interference
from service providers as new EU regulations
regarding the same issue were adopted This makes
Iceland one of the few countries to have such
progressive internet regulation policies, and it is
changing the way we think about our digital rights.
Iceland is known for its unique approach to internet
regulation, which emphasizes digital freedom and net
neutrality.
One of the key features of Iceland's approach to
internet regulation is its strong net neutrality laws. In
2010, Iceland became one of the first countries in the
world to pass a law guaranteeing net neutrality, which
prohibits ISPs from discriminating against certain types
of content or services. This means that all internet
traffic is treated equally, regardless of its source or
content. The law also requires ISPs to provide
consumers with clear information about the quality
and speed of their internet connections. Another
important aspect of Iceland's internet regulation is its
commitment to digital freedom. Iceland's Constitution
provides for freedom of expression, including freedom
of the press, speech, and opinion. The Constitution also
guarantees the right to privacy and personal data
protection. This means that Icelandic citizens have the
right to express themselves freely online, without fear
of censorship or surveillance. In terms of internet
access, Iceland has one of the highest internet
penetration rates in the world, with 98% of its
population having access to the internet. However,
the price of internet in Iceland can be relatively high
compared to other countries. This is partly due to
Iceland's remote location and small population, which
can make it more expensive to provide internet
infrastructure and services. For example, 500 MB
might cost you about $49. Yet in Uzbekistan cost of
Internet usage is much cheaper, $0.3712 for 1GB
according to tariffs of various internet providers
topping among the 20 countries in the world with
lowest price for Internet in 2022.
The Impact of Uzbekistan's Strict Internet Regulations
on its Citizens
Uzbekistan's strict internet regulations and censorship
have had a significant impact on its citizens, particularly
in terms of limiting access to information and freedom
of expression.
One of the most notable aspects of Uzbekistan's
internet regulation is the requirement for ISPs to
obtain licenses from the government. This has led to a
limited number of ISPs operating in the country, which
can result in high costs for internet access. In addition,
the government has been accused of restricting access
to certain websites and social media platforms, as well
as monitoring and censoring online content. TikTok is
wildly popular in Uzbekistan, but the antics it inspires
have attracted criticisms from officials. ‘Uzbekistan
unblocks, re-blocks popular social media amid TikTok
talks’ so writes “The Euraasianet”. As of April, 2023,
this social media is still in block from operations in
Uzbekistan. Users have to use VPN in order to gain
Volume 03 Issue 10-2023
13
International Journal Of Law And Criminology
(ISSN
–
2771-2214)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
10
Pages:
11-14
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
584
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
access to TikTok. The ban on Twitter was uplifted in
August 2022.
In 2023, Uzbekistan is set to hold constitutional
referendum, and it is possible that further
constitutional changes could be made at that time. This
is highly possible because: “Everyone has the right to
seek, receive and distribute any information. Everyone
has access to the Internet world information network
and free use of. These rights can be limited according
solely to protect the existing constitutional system,
rights and freedoms of other persons, public safety
and order, as well as information recognized as a state
secret or other secret in cases related to the
prevention of disclosure, bei
ng allowed by law.’ The
abovementioned section of article is Article 29 of new
constitutional draft of Uzbekistan. If these changes are
adopted in the referendum along with the whole other
amendments, they will lead to further liberalization
and humanization of Internet usage rights and also
human rights in Uzbekistan.
How Are Different Countries Regulating Their
Internets & What is the True Cost to Consumers?
In terms of internet regulation, some countries have
adopted strong net neutrality laws similar to those in
Iceland, while others have more limited protections for
consumers. For example, the United States adopted
net neutrality rules in 2015, but these rules were
repealed in 2017. Other countries, such as Canada and
the European Union, have implemented net neutrality
rules that prohibit ISPs from blocking or slowing down
certain types of content or services.
Regarding the cost of internet access, the prices can
vary widely depending on the country and the level of
competition in the market. According to data from the
World Bank, the average monthly cost of fixed
broadband internet in high-income countries was
$29.10 in 2020, while the average cost in low-income
countries was $70.70 . However, there are significant
variations within these categories, with some high-
income countries having relatively high internet prices
and some low-income countries having relatively low
prices.
CONCLUSION
How the Price and Accessibility of the Internet impacts
Society as a Whole.
The price and accessibility of the internet can
have a significant impact on society as a whole. If
internet access is expensive or limited, there may be
unequal access to information, education, and job
opportunities, which can contribute to social and
economic inequality. Yet where internet access is
affordable and widely available, there may be greater
opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and
social mobility.
Moreover, the regulation of the internet can
also impact society. In some places of the globe where
the internet is heavily regulated and censored, there
may be limited freedom of expression and access to
information, which can hinder social and political
progress. In contrast, in other places where the
internet is less regulated and there is a commitment to
digital freedom, there may be greater opportunities for
civic engagement and democratic participation.
Therefore, it is important for governments to prioritize
the affordability and accessibility of the internet, as
well as to ensure that there is a commitment to digital
freedom and equal access to information. These
measures of steps are also crucial to maintain human
rights both locally and globally since the UN on behalf
of the global voices advocating right to use Internet is
fundamental in nature, not a privilege has already
adopted a resolution about this matter amending the
Volume 03 Issue 10-2023
14
International Journal Of Law And Criminology
(ISSN
–
2771-2214)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
10
Pages:
11-14
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
584
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By doing so, I
think that we can promote greater social and economic
equality, as well as greater opportunities for
innovation,
entrepreneurship,
and
democratic
participation.
REFERENCES
1.
https://www.eureporter.co/world/uzbekistan/2022
/09/01/is-internet-content-still-restricted-in-
uzbekistan/
2.
https://www.google.co.uz/books/edition/Network
_neutrality/gG65DwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0
3.
https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a547d40a.html
4.
https://isp.page/en/list-of-all-services/ICELAND
5.
https://kun.uz/en/news/2022/07/25/uzbekistan-
among-top-20-countries-in-terms-of-mobile-
internet-affordability
6.
https://eurasianet.org/uzbekistan-unblocks-re-
blocks-popular-social-media-amid-tiktok-talks
7.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/14/technology/n
et-neutrality-repeal-vote.html
8.
https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/IT.NET.BBND
9.
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/techtank/2016/11/
07/the-internet-as-a-human-right/
