DIGITAL DIPLOMACY AS A TOOL OF INTERNATIONAL LEGAL COMMUNICATION: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

The authors emphasize that the rapid development of information and communication technologies has radically changed the forms and methods of conducting diplomatic activities. The article emphasizes that digital diplomacy is becoming a significant factor in international communication, while creating a number of new challenges in the legal and organizational spheres. The problem is to identify gaps in the current international legal mechanism, in particular the lack of provisions on "virtual embassies" or liability for cyberattacks on diplomatic resources. A brief review of the provisions of relevant international legal acts, as well as materials from the UN Group of Governmental Experts, which confirm the fragmentation of regulation in the field of digital diplomacy, is provided. The authors of the article demonstrate that the rapid change in the technological environment is outpacing the pace of development of universal norms of international law, which is why security and communication threats remain unregulated. The paper presents arguments for the need to develop a special protocol or amendments to existing acts to ensure equal access and proper protection of digital diplomatic resources. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that it comprehensively covers three key aspects at the same time for the first time: the lack of unified legal norms, technological protection of official online platforms, and the consequences of disinformation in digital diplomacy. The article uses an interdisciplinary methodology, which made it possible to form a holistic vision of challenges and prospects. The conclusion is made about the importance of flexible international regulation, which should take into account rapid technological changes and at the same time guarantee the security and transparency of foreign policy communication. The proposed recommendations can become the basis for further improvement of the international legal framework aimed at developing effective and safe digital diplomacy in the global environment.