Data as an object of contractual relations in European Union and Ukraine law: legal nature and features of use
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35774/Keywords:
data, contractual relations, European Union private law, harmonisation of legislation, European contract law, consumer protection, personal data, adaptation of Ukrainian legislationAbstract
The article considers the legal nature of data as a specific object of contractual relations under European Union and Ukraine law. The relevance of the research topic is driven by the rapid development of digital transformation, the widespread implementation of artificial intelligence technologies, and the urgent need to adapt Ukrainian civil legislation to modern international standards and EU acquis.
The main purpose of the study is to determine the legal nature and features of data usage as an object of contractual relations in EU and Ukrainian law, as well as to formulate concrete scientific proposals for establishing data as an independent object of civil rights in Ukraine.
The study provides a legal analysis of key EU legal acts, including the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR), Regulation (EU) 2023/2854 (Data Act), and Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (Artificial Intelligence Act). It is substantiated that data represent a highly specific intangible object in contractual relations. The paper demonstrates that while EU law views data as a vital economic resource requiring open access and fair circulation rules, Ukrainian legal framework remains predominantly focused on public law restrictions and information security. To eliminate existing legal uncertainty and bridge gaps in national legislation, the author proves the necessity of officially establishing data as a distinct object of civil rights in the Civil Code of Ukraine. This will allow transitioning from outdated ownership concepts to the regulatory framework focused on data access rights and precise essential terms of data-sharing contracts. The practical significance of the findings lies in establishing a solid foundation for harmonising Ukrainian contractual tools with the modern EU legal framework.
The research employs a comprehensive set of general scientific and special legal methods, including comparative legal analysis, formal logical analysis, and dogmatic interpretation of legal norms, particularly EU regulations and national legislation.
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