LEGAL REGULATION OF SMART CONTRACTS IN THE AGE OF THE DIGITAL ECONOMY

The article considers the legal framework for the use of smart contracts in Ukraine to assess the prospects for their use in contract law in the context of the digital transformation of the economy. A study of scientific views on the legal nature of a smart contract is presented. The features of blockchain technology, which predetermine the features of smart contracts and the specifics of their application, are considered. The definition of the place of a smart contract in the system of contracts is proposed. The analysis of Ukrainian and foreign legislation in the field of application of digital technologies and smart contracts in the economy was carried out. It has been determined that smart contracts are currently not regulated in the current legislation of Ukraine. Legislation regulating relations related to the use of information technology is just beginning to take shape. It is noted that the lack of internationally coordinated efforts to recognize the legitimacy of smart contracts can be a serious problem. It is concluded that a smart contract is an agreement that can be automated and enforced. This analysis will lead to a critical examination of whether the functionality of traditional contracts has been superseded by the emergence of smart contracts. It is noted that a smart contract is a combination of technological and legal aspects. As a result of the study, problems were identified, the solution of which at the legislative level will allow the introduction of smart contracts in various areas of economic activity. An important characteristic of these contracts is emphasized — automaticity and the possibility of enforcement. The imperfection of legal instruments for regulating the conclusion and execution of smart contracts is noted. It is concluded that a smart contract, taking into account its features, is a contractual structure and that the successful development of smart contracts requires legislative consolidation of the legal status of smart contracts, the parties to smart contracts, the procedure for organizing the protection of the interests of each side of the smart contract.