THEORETICAL AND LEGAL FOUNDATIONS FOR REFINING THE CONCEPT OF “CYBERCRIME” IN THE CRIMINAL LEGISLATION OF UZBEKISTAN
Keywords:
cybercrime, digital evidence, electronic traces, cybersecurity, investigative procedures, digital forensics, cyberspace, IP address, OSINTAbstract
This article presents a comparative analysis of international and national legal interpretations of the concept of “cybercrime.” The relevance of the study is determined by the rapid increase in cybercrime, the complexities associated with its investigation, and the absence of a unified legal and forensic framework. The aim of the research is to clarify the concept of cybercrime and develop an original definition adapted to national legislation. To achieve this aim, the following objectives are established: (1) to conduct a comparative analysis of the legal nature of the concepts of “cybercrime” and “computer crime”; (2) to systematize existing scholarly approaches; (3) to formulate an original definition consistent with national legislation; and (4) to develop specific proposals for improving the relevant legislation. The object of the study is the social relations arising from offenses committed in cyberspace, while its subject comprises national and international legal and forensic norms defining the concept of cybercrime. The study employs comparative legal, systemic analytical, and formal logical research methods. As a result, a refined definition of cybercrime is proposed, along with scholarly and practical recommendations for improving the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan and mechanisms for handling digital evidence.
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