LEGAL BASIS FOR THE ACTIVITIES OF VIRTUAL MUSEUMS IN THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS

The article examines the concept of "virtual museum". Based on the analysis of doctrinal sources, the features of a virtual museum are identified. The author studied the legal basis for the activities of virtual museums in the Republic of Belarus. The paper presents the data of a sociological survey conducted by the author in 2023-2024 among 457 respondents aged 18 to 60 years living in the Republic of Belarus. The sociological survey was conducted to identify the level of public awareness of virtual museums and determine their commercial potential. Based on the obtained research results, the author's definition of the concept of "virtual museum" is proposed, proposals for improving the legislation of the Republic of Belarus related to the legal protection of virtual museums are formulated.