Formation of mechanisms for criminal-legal protection of "digital" cultural heritage

The author of this article examines the prospects for developing new criminal law mechanisms for the protection of cultural heritage sites. The proliferation of online platforms and spaces related to cultural heritage sites is highlighted. UNESCO's activities in promoting digitalization in the field of cultural heritage preservation and the popularization of digital cultural assets are described. The paper presents an analysis of the criminal legislation of the Republic of Finland on the protection of cultural heritage sites and countering cybercrime. Legislation on the protection of antiquities and the fight against cybercrime in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is examined. Attention is paid to the provisions of the criminal legislation of the Russian Federation related to countering cybercrime. The need for the creation of new specialized norms aimed at protecting the "digital" cultural heritage of the peoples of Russia, as well as the development of a terminological apparatus, is substantiated. The methodological basis of the study is represented by the following methods: comparative legal analysis, systemic interpretation of criminal law norms, dialectical and logical methods, as well as an analysis of foreign legislation in the field of cultural heritage protection. Through a review and analysis of legal norms and scholarly works on this topic, it was discovered that the criminal protection of digital cultural heritage has the potential to be transformed into cybersecurity. The author offers her own definition of the concept of "digital cultural heritage." Potential attacks on "new cultural heritage objects" are listed, along with ways to prevent them. The author outlines her position on the significance of intangible digital objects and tangible historical and cultural objects. The importance of robust cybersecurity measures for protecting digital resources, which play a crucial role in ensuring global access to information and advancing scientific research, is emphasized. It is noted that the international exchange of information, experience, and resources will enable the development of a unified strategy to counter modern threats.