Legal protection of Omani folklore (popular heritage) in the AI-driven virtual world: Preserving identity

Folklore and intangible cultural heritage reflect the folk traditions and identity of a specific society. States intervene to protect such heritage—both domestically and internationally—a practice adopted by the Sultanate of Oman through various legislative frameworks. These include laws concerning copyright and related rights, regulations governing cultural heritage, and penal provisions. Such heritage is considered state-owned intangible property; its distortion or commercial exploitation without official authorization from the competent authorities is prohibited and subject to specific legal penalties and enforcement measures. This study underscores the significance of cultural heritage and its intrinsic link to national identity, while highlighting the need to address legal gaps in intellectual property protection to keep pace with digital transformation and support the digital cultural economy. The study aims to identify the digital risks posed to folklore in the virtual realm—exacerbated by the widespread use of artificial intelligence—and to evaluate the adequacy of existing laws in addressing challenges related to digital platforms and AI. Ultimately, it seeks to propose legal and technical solutions that safeguard heritage and preserve identity by integrating digitalization and modern technologies, all in alignment with the "Oman Vision 2040."