Regulatory and Legal Framework for the Digitization of Archival Documents: a Comparative Analysis of Ukrainian and International Experience

The relevance of the research. The digitization of archival documents is a key component of modern information policy aimed at ensuring long-term preservation, accessibility, and the legal validity of documentary heritage. As countries around the world develop comprehensive legal frameworks and technical standards to regulate this process, Ukraine faces the need to assess and improve its own normative base. A comparative study of national and international regulatory approaches is relevant for identifying best practices, aligning with global standards, and strengthening Ukraine’s archival infrastructure especially in the context of current geopolitical challenges and the growing role of digital information in society. The purpose of this study is to analyze and compare the legal frameworks for archival digitization in Ukraine and abroad to identify similarities, differences, and development prospects. The methodology. The study applies comparative legal analysis, systematic review of normative acts, and content analysis of international standards and national regulatory documents related to archival digitization. The results. The study provides a comprehensive overview of international legal approaches to archival digitization, highlighting key standards, regulatory models, and institutional practices. Ukrainian legal documents were analyzed to identify the current state of digital transformation in the archival sector. A comparative analysis revealed both common features and critical differences between Ukrainian and international frameworks. The scientific novelty of the study lies in its integrated comparative analysis of Ukrainian and international legal frameworks on archival digitization. The research offers a structured evaluation of normative documents and identifies specific gaps and opportunities for improving Ukraine’s regulatory system in accordance with global standards and contemporary challenges. The practical significance. The article will be useful to archivists, legal scholars, and information policy experts. The structured comparison of Ukrainian and international practices provides a foundation for future improvements. The research findings can serve as a starting point for further studies on the legal and organizational aspects of archival digitization. The conclusion. The conducted research highlights the crucial role of normative and legal regulation in ensuring effective and sustainable archival digitization. The analysis of international experience shows that comprehensive legal frameworks, supported by clear technical standards and institutional strategies, are essential for the authenticity, accessibility, and preservation of digital archives. In contrast, Ukraine’s legal base remains fragmented and requires systematic refinement and harmonization. The comparative analysis demonstrates both the potential and the challenges of aligning national regulation with global practices. Ukraine’s experience, particularly under wartime conditions, reveals a unique model of adaptive digital transformation. Strengthening the legal foundation, adopting unified standards, and fostering international cooperation will support the development of a reliable, secure, and modern digital archival infrastructure. These conclusions provide a valuable foundation for future reforms and scholarly research in the field of archival digitization and information governance.