Мир закона

МРНТИ 10.19.01

УДК 34.09

Baikenzhina Kulbagila Aliakparovna — associate professor of the department of «General legal and special disciplines» of the Karaganda university of Kazpotrebsouz, candidate of legal sciences (Republic of Kazakhstan, Karaganda);

Smagulova Amina Serikovna — master’s student of the department of «General Legal and Special Disciplines», Karaganda university of Kazpotrebsoyuz (Republic of Kazakhstan, Karaganda)

LEGAL REGULATION OF OPERATIONAL-SEARCH ACTIVITY ON THE INTERNET: A BALANCE BETWEEN SECURITY AND CITIZENS’ RIGHTS

Annotation. The article is devoted to the current issues of legal regulation of operational-search activity (OSA) on the Internet. The growth of cybercrime and threats to national security compel law enforcement agencies to increasingly utilize the Internet to identify, prevent, and suppress crimes. However, the application of OSA in virtual space affects citizens’ constitutional rights to privacy, the secrecy of correspondence, and telephone conversations. The aim of the research is to analyze the current legislation regulating OSA on the Internet, identify gaps and contradictions, and develop proposals for improving legal regulation in this area. Special attention is given to the necessity of maintaining a balance between ensuring security and protecting citizens’ rights and freedoms when conducting OSA on the Internet. This requires a careful examination of existing norms and their practical application to ensure effective crime fighting without compromising civil liberties. Proper regulation of OSA on the Internet is of great importance for maintaining public safety and protecting citizens’ personal data, which is a key aspect of the modern legal landscape. It also contributes to strengthening trust in law enforcement agencies and the development of the digital economy.

Keywords: operational-search activity, network, information, security, rights, cybercrime, privacy, balance of interests.

Байкенжина Күлбағила Әлиақпарқызы — Қазтұтынуодағы Қарағанды университеті «Жалпы заңдық және арнайы пәндер» кафедрасының доценті, заң ғылымдарының кандидаты (Қазақстан Республикасы, Қарағанды қ.);

Смағұлова Амина Серікқызы — Қазтұтынуодағы Қарағанды университеті «Жалпы заңдық және арнайы пәндер» кафедрасының магистранты (Қазақстан Республикасы, Қарағанды қ.)

ИНТЕРНЕТ ЖЕЛІСІНДЕГІ ЖЕДЕЛ-ІЗДЕСТІРУ ҚЫЗМЕТІН ҚҰҚЫҚТЫҚ РЕТТЕУ: АЗАМАТТАРДЫҢ ҚАУІПСІЗДІГІ МЕН ҚҰҚЫҚТАРЫ АРАСЫНДАҒЫ ТЕҢГЕРІМ

Түйін. Мақала Интернеттегі жедел-іздестіру қызметін (ЖҚҚ) құқықтық рет­теу­дің өзекті мәселелеріне арналған. Киберқылмыс пен ұлттық қауіпсіздікке төне­т­ін қатерлердің өсуі құқық қорғау органдарын қылмысты анықтау, алдын алу және онымен күресу үшін интернеттің күшін көбірек пайдалануға мәжбүрлеуде. Алай­да, виртуалды кеңістікте жедел іздестіру қызметін пайдалану азаматтардың жеке өміріне қол сұғылмаушылыққа, хат алмасу мен телефон арқылы сөйлесудің құ­пия­лылығына конституциялық құқықтарына әсер етеді. Зерттеудің мақсаты — Интер­нет желісіндегі жедел құқықтық қызметті реттейтін қолданыстағы заңнаманы тал­дау, олқылықтар мен қайшылықтарды анықтау және осы саладағы құқықтық рет­теу­ді жетілдіру бойынша ұсыныстар әзірлеу. Интернет желісінде жедел іздестіру шараларын жүргізу кезінде қауіпсіздікті қамтамасыз ету мен азаматтардың құқық­тары мен бостандықтарын қорғау арасындағы теңгерімді сақтау қажеттілігіне ерек­ше назар аударылады. Бұл азаматтық бостандыққа нұқсан келтірмей қыл­мыс­пен тиімді күресуді қамтамасыз ету үшін қолданыстағы нормаларды мұқият зер­де­леуді және оларды қолдануды талап етеді. Қазіргі заманғы құқықтық кеңістіктің негізгі аспектісі болып табылатын қоғамдық қауіпсіздікті сақтау және азаматтар­дың жеке деректерін қорғау үшін Интернеттегі жедел қызметті дұрыс реттеу ма­ңызды. Бұл да құқық қорғау органдарына деген сенімді нығайтуға және цифрлық экономиканы дамытуға ықпал етеді.

Түйінді сөздер: жедел-іздестіру қызметі, желі, ақпарат, қауіпсіздік, құқықтар, киберқылмыс, жеке өмірге қол сұғылмаушылық, мүдделер теңгерімі.

Байкенжина Күлбағила Алиакпаровна — доцент кафедры «Общеюридичес­ких и специальных дисциплин» Карагандинского университета Казпотребсоюза, кандидат юридических наук (Республика Казахстан, г. Караганда);

Смагулова Амина Сериковна — магистрант кафедры «Общеюридических и специальных дисциплин» Карагандинского университета Казпотребсоюза (Республика Казахстан, г. Караганда)

ПРАВОВОЕ РЕГУЛИРОВАНИЕ ОПЕРАТИВНО-РОЗЫСКНОЙ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ В СЕТИ ИНТЕРНЕТ: БАЛАНС МЕЖДУ БЕЗОПАСНОСТЬЮ И ПРАВАМИ ГРАЖДАН

Аннотация. Статья посвящена актуальным проблемам правового регулирова­ния оперативно-розыскной деятельности (ОРД) в сети Интернет. Рост киберпрес­туп­ности и угроз национальной безопасности заставляет правоохранительные ор­ганы все чаще использовать возможности сети для выявления, предупреждения и пресечения преступлений. Однако, применение ОРД в виртуальном пространстве затрагивает конституционные права граждан на неприкосновенность частной жиз­ни, тайну переписки и телефонных переговоров. Целью исследования является ана­лиз действующего законодательства, регулирующего ОРД в сети Интернет, выявление пробелов и противоречий, а также разработка предложений по совер­шен­ствованию правового регулирования в данной сфере. Особое внимание уде­ля­ется необходимости соблюдения баланса между обеспечением безопасности и защитой прав и свобод граждан при проведении ОРД в сети Интернет. Это требует тщательного рассмотрения существующих норм и практики их применения для обеспечения эффективной борьбы с преступностью без ущерба для гражданских свобод. Правильное регулирование ОРД в Интернете имеет важное значение для поддержания общественной безопасности и защиты личных данных граждан, что является ключевым аспектом современного правового пространства. Это также спо­собствует укреплению доверия к правоохранительным органам и развитию цифровой экономики.

Ключевые слова: оперативно-розыскная деятельность, сеть, информация, безопасность, права, киберпреступность, неприкосновенность частной жизни, баланс интересов.

 

Introduction. The development of society and the increasing presence of citizens in the Internet space are important indicators of the digitalization of state activities. The introduction of innovative approaches and the transformation of existing tools stimulate the satisfaction of society’s needs. However, along with this, state structures, including law enforcement agencies, face new challenges, such as cyber-attacks aimed at both state institutions and private individuals. Due to the evolution of crime and the emergence of its new forms, the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan needs to be adapted to modern realities. Domestic and foreign researchers have repeatedly emphasized the need to modernize operational-search activities in accordance with the needs of society.

However, the Internet space differs significantly from the real world in which operational-search activities are traditionally carried out, possessing unique characteristics and norms of behavior that are subject to constant changes under the influence of user trends.

According to the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan № 154-XIII «On Operational-Search Activity» dated September 15, 1994, operational-search activity is carried out in accordance with the principles of legality, respect for rights and freedoms, respect for the dignity of the individual, equality of citizens before the law, based on confidentiality, a combination of overt and covert methods, and professional ethics[1]. The legal basis for operational-search activity is the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan and other regulatory legal acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The legislation establishes that OSA is carried out by specially authorized state bodies to protect the life, health, rights and freedoms of man and citizen, property, and ensure the security of society and the state from criminal encroachments.

At the same time, according to the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the highest value is the human being, their life, rights and freedoms. In accordance with Article 18 of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, «Everyone has the right to privacy, personal and family secrets, and protection of their honor and dignity»[2]. These regulatory provisions indicate the priority of respecting the rights and freedoms of the individual in the implementation of operational-search measures, which, however, involves the risk of their violation in the context of improper use of the opportunities provided by the Internet space. In other words, the legislator focuses on the inadmissibility of infringing on the constitutional rights of citizens in the process of operational-search activity, which may potentially occur with the abuse of tools and technologies available on the Internet, in particular, in the absence of a clear legal framework and proper control over the actions of authorized bodies in the virtual environment.

Considering the contribution of scientists to the development of the theory of operational-search activity (OSA), it should be noted that the issues of legal regulation of the use of the Internet in the conduct of operational-search measures (OSM) remain insufficiently developed in scientific literature. This is due to several factors, including the rapid evolution of the Internet, the variability of information circulating in the online environment, and the diversity of behavioral patterns of users. The dynamic nature of the Internet space, due to the emergence of new software solutions, methods of communication and data processing methods, necessitates the constant adaptation of legal norms to modern realities.

In the absence of clear legal regulations of the conduct of OSM on the Internet, there is a problem of ambiguous interpretation of existing legal provisions. The vagueness of the conceptual apparatus and gaps in the legislation create prerequisites for arbitrary interpretation of legal norms, which, in turn, may lead to violations of the rights and freedoms of citizens. In this regard, there is an urgent need to create a comprehensive regulatory framework governing relations in the information space, as well as to timely update and improve legal acts regulating operational-search activities, considering the specifics of the Internet[3].

Methods and Materials. The study employed comparative legal, logical, and scientific research methods. An analysis of criminal and civil legislation, as well as empirical data, was conducted.

The theoretical basis consisted of the works of well-known Russian and Kazakh legal scholars dedicated to the study of theoretical and practical problems of legal regulation.

The regulatory framework of the study consisted of domestic regulatory legal acts governing information legal relations and issues of operational-search activities.

Results and discussion. The issues of the legality of the use of methods and means in operational-search activities (OIA) in the traditional sense have been thoroughly studied within the framework of the theory of OIA. However, in relation to the collection of information on the Internet, certain difficulties and contradictions arise.

According to the analysis of the existing legislation, in our opinion, it is worth paying attention to the problems of introducing the OIA into the Internet space in order to solve or suppress crimes. Thus, the question arises in the implementation of such a type of OIA as «detection, covert recording and seizure of traces of illegal acts, their preliminary investigation». According to Article 18 of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, everyone has the right to privacy, on the one hand, in most cases, users voluntarily post personal information about themselves in the public domain, thereby de facto, providing permission to any person (or certain groups of persons, depending on the privacy settings) to gain access to information related to their private life.

On the other hand, cases of unauthorized leakage of personal data of citizens, publication of photo and video materials by third parties without the consent of the copyright holder, as well as the disclosure of personal correspondence of users in various messengers, are a direct violation of constitutional norms prohibiting the collection, storage, use and dissemination of information about the private life of a person without his expressed consent. This circumstance actualizes the problem of maintaining a balance between the need to ensure national security and protect the rights and freedoms of citizens in the digital environment[4].

In this regard, it is not surprising that modern developments in the field of operational-search measures (OIA) on the Internet are not only fragmentary, but also often contradictory, when the same term OIA can be understood as completely different actions. At the same time, the main problem lies not so much in the operational-search activity itself, which is an applied science that uses knowledge of information legal relations to achieve its goals, but in the absence of a formed legal field that regulates the entire system of information legal relations arising on the Internet.

From the point of view of legislation, information law and OIA do not have established norms that would regulate these issues. Operational-search measures are a tool for finding evidence of crimes, but the methods used have a dual nature when introduced into the Internet space, which is not actually regulated by any Code. Thus, the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated November 24, 2015, № 418-V ZRK «On Informatization» does not contain data regulating the issue of collection, storage and use of information by law enforcement agencies. Article 10 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated September 15, 1994, № 154-XIII «On Operational-Search Activities» specifies the exhaustive grounds for conducting operational search activities, which, in our opinion, cannot be grounds for conducting operational search activities on the Internet. As such, information stored on the Internet should be publicly available and directly indicate its involvement in the real fact of committing an offense, but can ORM be carried out in terms of cybercrimes, if a direct relationship may not be available to law enforcement agencies.

In our opinion, at present only certain aspects of the diverse legal relations existing in the virtual space are regulated, and there is no single legislative act defining the status of the Internet as an integral legal space. The lack of comprehensive legal regulation creates significant difficulties for law enforcement practice and can lead to violations of the rights and legitimate interests of citizens and organizations in the digital environment. The specification and establishment of the exact grounds for conducting operational search activities, in particular, for the Internet space, is necessary in connection with the actualization of the digitalization of all user data and the transition of an increasing number of citizens to the Internet. The establishment of specific measures carried out by law enforcement officers, their essence and the tools used in the implementation of the ODA is a necessity not only in the prevention of human rights violations, but also in the implementation of the legitimate work of law enforcement officers.

For example, we believe that in the digital environment, when collecting information necessary to solve crimes of an extremist nature, it is advisable to use a set of operational-search measures (ORM) adapted to the specifics of the Internet space. It seems effective to conduct an operational survey using a wide range of online platforms, such as social networks, chats, forums and instant messengers, which makes it possible to quickly obtain information that is important for establishing the circumstances of crimes committed and identifying persons involved in extremist activities.

No less important is the implementation of inquiries, which in the context of the digital environment acquires the features of operational-search monitoring of the Internet. This type of ODA includes an active search for information using various search engines, such as Google, Yandex, Baidu and others, as well as the collection of information using specialized software products and online services designed to analyze large amounts of data and identify relationships between various objects and subjects on the Internet.

In addition, in order to overcome potential opposition from people engaged in criminal activity, it is advisable to use modern personal identification technologies, such as specialized software that allows you to identify users by photographs and other biometric data, as well as to use data arrays contained in social networks and other online resources.

When implementing these operational-search measures, it is necessary to strictly follow the requirements of the current legislation, ensuring the observance of the rights and freedoms of citizens, the protection of personal data and the inviolability of private life[5].

In addition to the above, to ensure the effectiveness of operational-search measures (ORM), it is necessary to strengthen interstate cooperation in the field of combating crime. Internet crime is transnational in nature, while the subject of the crime, the place where the unlawful act was committed and the injured party are often located in different jurisdictions, which creates significant difficulties not only for the investigation of crimes, but also for the conduct of operational activities for these types of crimes.

As a rule, the time for consideration of requests sent to the competent authorities of foreign states can be several months, which significantly slows down the process of investigation and prompt disclosure of crimes. In this regard, it seems necessary to improve the mechanisms of international cooperation in the law enforcement sphere, aimed at increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the exchange of information and coordination of actions in the conduct of operational activities related to the disclosure and investigation of crimes committed on the Internet.

Conclusion. In conclusion, it should be emphasized that the legal regulation of operational-search activities (OSA) in the Internet space is an exceptionally complex and multifaceted task that requires a comprehensive approach, considering all aspects of this area. In the context of the exponential development of information technologies and the parallel growth of cybercrime, the effectiveness of combating criminal manifestations on the Internet directly depends on the degree of perfection of the regulatory framework governing the activities of competent authorities authorized to conduct operational-search measures in this area.

A thorough analysis of the current legislation governing OSA has revealed a number of significant gaps and internal contradictions, which create objective prerequisites for ambiguous interpretation of legal norms and, as a consequence, the emergence of potential risks of violating the constitutional rights and freedoms of citizens. Of particular note is the fact that there is currently no clear definition of the legal status of the Internet as a specific environment for the implementation of operational-search activities, and that issues related to the lawful use of technical means and methods used to obtain relevant information in cyberspace are insufficiently regulated.

At the same time, it is necessary to consider that the tightening of the legal framework governing the conduct of OSA on the Internet should not lead to an unjustified decrease in the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in combating cybercrime and extremism. It is crucial to find a rational balance between the imperative of ensuring national security and protecting society from criminal threats, on the one hand, and the need for unconditional respect for the constitutional rights of citizens to privacy, confidentiality of correspondence, and confidentiality of telephone conversations, on the other. According to the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the highest value is the human being, their life, rights, and freedoms.

To achieve this balance, it seems appropriate to take a series of consistent steps, including further improvement of the current legislation in the field of OSA, in particular, by making targeted changes and additions to the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan «On Operational-Search Activity», taking into account the characteristics and specifics of the implementation of operational-search measures on the Internet. An equally important task is the development of clear and unambiguous criteria and procedures for conducting OSM on the Internet, which should fully ensure the protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens from unjustified and unauthorized interference in their personal lives. In addition, it is necessary to ensure proper control over the activities of authorized state bodies carrying out OSA on the Internet by the prosecutor’s office and the judiciary. Finally, an important element of the system for protecting the rights of citizens on the Internet is to increase the level of legal literacy of the population in matters of protecting their legitimate rights and freedoms. The active development of international cooperation in the fight against cybercrime and the systematic exchange of best practices on legal regulation of OSA on the Internet will also contribute to the creation of an effective system for protecting the rights of citizens in cyberspace.

The implementation of the set of these measures will create an effective and balanced system of legal regulation of OSA on the Internet, which, on the one hand, will ensure reliable protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens, and on the other hand, will create the necessary conditions for effectively combating crime in cyberspace.

 

Bibliography

1. Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated September 15, 1994 №154-XIII «On Operational-Search Activities» [Electronic Resource] // https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z940004000_
2. Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated August 30, 1995 (as amended on 01.01.2023) [Electronic Resource]// https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K950001000_#z67
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References

1. Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated September 15, 1994 №154-XIII «On Operational-Search Activities» [Electronic Resource] // https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z940004000_
2. Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated August 30, 1995 (as amended on 01.01.2023) [Electronic Resource]// https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K950001000_#z67
3. Alyab’yev A. A., Lagutochkin A. V. Problemy osushchestvleniya operativno-rozysknykh meropriyatiy v informatsionnom prostranstve seti Internet // Problemy pravookhranitel’noy deyatel’nosti. — 2013. — № 1. — S. 66-69.
4. Sokolov YU. N. Informatsionnyye tekhnologii elektronnogo nablyudeniya pri rassledovanii prestupleniy // «Chernyye dyry» v rossiyskom zakonodatel’stve. — 2010. — № 1. — S. 128-135.
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