RECONCEPTUALIZING JURISDICTION AND LEGAL IDENTITY IN THE METAVERSE: ELEMENTS OF A DIGITAL CODE ARCHITECTURE

The rapid evolution of immersive technologies, decentralized platforms, and AI-driven systems within the Metaverse has exposed significant limitations in traditional legal regulation. This article proposes a modular Digital Code Model as a forward-looking legal framework designed to address the complexities of metaverse environments. Anchored in principles of semantic interoperability, algorithmic governance, and jurisdictional adaptability, the model introduces a layered legal architecture capable of responding dynamically to emerging digital phenomena. Key components include electronic jurisdiction, digital legal personality, AI-powered legal monitoring, and rights-based oversight mechanisms. Emphasizing the need for transnational coherence, machine-readability, and human-centric safeguards, the proposed model offers a scalable solution for regulating virtual spaces, ensuring legal predictability while preserving technological innovation and individual rights. The article outlines the theoretical foundations, structural modules, and implementation pathways of the Digital Code, positioning it as a foundational legal infrastructure for the governance of the Metaverse.