LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE FUNCTIONING OF INFORMATION-SHARING PLATFORMS: CHALLENGES OF DIGITAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND REGULATORY PROSPECTS

Abstract

The article examines the legal aspects of the functioning of information-sharing platforms (information and communication services based on decentralization, open data dissemination, or collective user participation in content creation). The focus is placed on the current challenges of digital law enforcement arising from the rapid development of such platforms, their technical complexity, and transnational nature.The study emphasizes the inadequacy of traditional approaches to legal liability in the context of algorithmic content governance, automated moderation, and the use of artificial intelligence for distributing information flows. Potential risks are analyzed, including the spread of disinformation, violations of the right to privacy, reduced protection of personal data, and manipulation of public opinion. It is noted that current national legislation in many jurisdictions does not provide sufficient legal clarity regarding the status of providers of information-sharing platforms, the scope of their obligations in preventing offenses, or compliance with freedom of expression standards. The article substantiates the need to update the legal tools for digital regulation, taking into account the European Union’s experience (particularly the Digital Services Directive), the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, and the implementation of soft law mechanisms for co-regulation.The author emphasizes the importance of developing a special legal regime for information-sharing platforms that would enable an effective balance between the interests of users, providers, and the state. Promising directions for the development of regulatory frameworks are identified, including: codification of terminology, clear delineation of roles among digital actors, increased transparency of algorithms, and the establishment of independent regulatory bodies with supervisory functions. The article concludes that the legal regulation of information-sharing platforms should go beyond a purely technocratic approach and instead involve comprehensive legal modeling focused on digital human rights, information security, and legal predictability within the digital environment.