The subject of the research is the relevant problem of ensuring the confidentiality of information about individuals subject to state protection in the era of digitalization. The article analyzes legal mechanisms, technical and organizational measures, as well as challenges and risks associated with the development of information technologies. The author emphasizes that under modern conditions, the confidentiality of information about protected individuals requires not only restricting access to data in traditional information-reference systems (databases, registries, archives) but also removing information from public access in the digital environment. Such data includes accounts on messaging platforms and social networks, digital communications, banking transactions, data from online applications requiring verification, as well as published text, photo, and video materials. The methodological basis of the research is the dialectical method of cognition; the author employed general scientific research methods (analysis, synthesis, deduction, induction, formal-logical, forecasting) and specific scientific research methods (statistical and formal-legal). The article details the legal foundations for implementing security measures in the form of ensuring the confidentiality of information based on a formal-legal analysis of regulatory acts. Based on the research results, the author concludes that there is a need to improve the legal mechanisms for protecting personal data. Ensuring the confidentiality of information about protected individuals in the context of the development of information technologies is implemented through a set of organizational and technical measures regulated by special legislation, which necessitates the involvement of specialized units conducting operational and technical activities aimed at ensuring the safety of witnesses (victims) and other participants in judicial proceedings through technical means of protection using advanced information technologies. As part of the security measures, it is proposed to limit the use of social networks and internet messengers by protected individuals during their period of state protection through temporary account blocking or deletion of applications. However, the question of restricting the use of social networks and internet messengers by protected individuals requires further elaboration. The article is addressed to specialists in the field of criminal procedure, operational search activities, as well as anyone interested in issues related to the state protection of participants in criminal proceedings in the context of the development of the information and telecommunications environment.
Irina Andreevna Filimonenko (Thu,) studied this question.