Uzbek Journal of Law and Digital Policy

The Dark Web Economy: Legal and Investigative Challenges in Combatting Hidden Online Markets

2025-08-28T08:07:14+03:00

The dark web economy represents a sophisticated underground marketplace ecosystem that poses unprecedented challenges to law enforcement agencies worldwide. This study examines the structural complexities, operational mechanisms, and evolving nature of hidden online markets that facilitate illegal commerce through encrypted networks. The research analyzes current legal frameworks, investigative methodologies, and enforcement strategies employed by authorities to combat these clandestine operations. Through examination of case studies, technological barriers, and jurisdictional challenges, this article identifies critical gaps in existing approaches to dark web crime prevention. The findings reveal that traditional investigative methods are insufficient for addressing the multi-layered anonymity systems and decentralized nature of modern dark web markets. Recommendations include enhanced international cooperation protocols, specialized technological tools, and adaptive legal frameworks that can respond to rapidly evolving digital criminal enterprises. This analysis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on cybercrime enforcement and provides strategic insights for developing more effective countermeasures against hidden online marketplaces.

Human Rights in Cyberspace: Digital Freedom and Security in the Age of Global Connectivity

2025-08-28T08:10:32+03:00

The fast growth of digital technology and global connectivity has changed the way human rights are protected and enforced. It has created new challenges in balancing people’s freedoms with the security needs of states. This study looks at how digital rights and security measures interact in different countries. It reviews case law, new laws, and international agreements to show how human rights, such as privacy and freedom of expression, are affected in cyberspace. The research finds that human rights rules made for physical spaces are not fully suitable for digital environments, where data, online communication, and algorithm-based decisions create new problems. Current approaches differ widely between countries, leading to unequal standards that weaken universal rights. The study suggests building new frameworks that protect digital freedoms while allowing necessary security measures, through fair, transparent, and accountable systems. This work adds to understanding how rights must evolve in today’s digital world.

Mediation in Investment Disputes: An Analysis of Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in Uzbekistan's Investment Framework

2025-08-20T10:40:31+03:00

Investment disputes represent one of the most complex areas of international commercial law, requiring specialized resolution mechanisms that balance investor protection with host state sovereignty. This study examines the role and effectiveness of mediation as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism for investment disputes in Uzbekistan's legal framework. Through comprehensive analysis of existing legislation, comparative legal research, and examination of international best practices, this research evaluates the potential for mediation to provide efficient, cost-effective resolution of investment conflicts. The findings reveal significant gaps in current regulatory frameworks governing investment mediation, including inadequate institutional support, limited enforceability mechanisms, and insufficient integration with existing bilateral investment treaties. This study proposes a comprehensive mediation framework specifically designed for investment disputes, incorporating international standards while addressing the unique characteristics of Uzbekistan's investment environment. The research concludes that properly implemented mediation mechanisms can significantly enhance investor confidence, reduce litigation costs, and preserve long-term investment relationships while maintaining state regulatory autonomy.

Legal Regulation of Economic Concentration (Tech-Over) in the Digital Market

2025-08-23T18:42:02+03:00

The rapid expansion of digital markets has led to unprecedented economic concentration, driven primarily by large technology platforms acquiring, integrating, or excluding smaller competitors through mechanisms often referred to as “Tech-Over.” This study offers a comparative legal analysis of how three diverse jurisdictions Turkey, France, and Singapore are regulating this phenomenon. Using a qualitative case study methodology, the research evaluates legal frameworks, regulatory instruments, institutional capacity, and enforcement practices. The findings reveal that while France employs an ex-ante model embedded in EU law, Singapore emphasizes adaptive, guideline-based governance, and Turkey is transitioning toward more robust digital oversight. Despite differences, all three jurisdictions converge on the need to monitor data control, algorithmic opacity, and cross-market dominance. The article concludes with policy recommendations for enhancing merger control, increasing institutional capability, and fostering international cooperation. These insights contribute to global debates on competition law reform and digital market governance in an era of platform capitalism.