Shapovalova G.M. International legal instruments of UNESCO – the basis for formation of national legislation of digital objects of cultural heritage: on the example of virtual museums

Abstract:   This article draws attention to the fact that due to the scale and dynamism of the flowing of political and legal processes in Russia, as well as development of the information technology, information systems, and telecommunications networks, including the Internet, the nature and practice of cultural institutions is changing. Today's digital formats increase their importance in the global information space. Special attention is given to the virtual museums as objects of world cultural virtual environment, which hold a worthy place in the global information society. The author shows the role of the state as guarantor of the legislative framework in the development and promotion of digital cultural heritage including virtual museums, both nationally and internationally. In this article the author puts the emphasis on the importance of international legal instruments of UNESCO as a foundation for formation on the normative legal acts of the Russian legislation in the sphere of preservation, availability, and information security of the digital heritage in general, and digital cultural heritage of the Russian Federation in particular. As conclusions the author draws the attention of legal scholars and experts to the following issues: absence of national legislation and legal regulation in the sphere of preservation and conservation of digital cultural heritage in general and the virtual museum in particular; legal definitions; technical regulations; national and international standards for digital cultural heritage.  

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