Мост над пропастью цифрового неравенства: правовые инструменты международной торговли в условиях цифровизации

Российский юридический журнал. 2025. Т. 164. № 5. С. 158–173.

Burnakina A.

As the global economy undergoes rapid digital transformation, the issue of digital inequality is increasingly acquiring a distinct legal dimension. This article explores the potential of international trade law in addressing the digital divide. The author examines key legal instruments — the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), ongoing negotiations on electronic commerce within the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO), as well as selected provisions of preferential trade agreements. A comprehensive analysis is provided of the institutional and procedural constraints within the WTO system that hinder the formal integration of the digital agenda into the multilateral trade regime. Special attention is given to the phenomenon of Joint Statement Initiatives, viewed as a contested yet potentially effective mechanism for advancing digital trade norms. Preferential agreements, in contrast, are shown to offer a more flexible and innovative approach, gradually shaping elements of future digital governance architecture. The article concludes that international trade law does possess tools capable of building a “bridge” across the digital divide; however, the success of this endeavor depends on the political will of states and the ability of international institutions to coordinate their efforts.

Keywords: ВТО, цифровой разрыв, digital divide, WTO, торговые переговоры, цифровое неравенство, международное торговое право, digital inequality, trade negotiations, Digital inclusion, international trade law, цифровая инклюзивность

Publication based on the results of: Model of Legal Overcoming of Inequality (2025)