The State Duma of the Russian Federation is considering an initiative aimed at introducing the concept of 'digital heritage' into legislation. The bill, proposed by deputies of the 'New People' faction Sardan Avksentyeva, Anton Tkachev, and Alexander Demin, provides for the possibility of inheriting digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, social media accounts, email, and other online services. This was reported by TASS, referring to the parliamentarians' address to Minister of Justice Konstantin Chuychenko.
The initiative aims to create a legal mechanism allowing citizens to formally secure the rights of heirs to access their digital assets. This proposal is a response to the growing relevance of the issue in the context of societal digitalization, where digital assets are becoming an important part of personal property.
As of today, the fate of digital assets after the owner's death is determined by the rules of internet platforms, which often lead to their loss. For example, social networks and online services such as Facebook or Google have their own policies that may provide limited access for relatives to the deceased users' accounts or their complete deletion. The lack of unified legal norms in Russia creates uncertainty, especially regarding cryptocurrencies, which can represent significant financial value.
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are stored in digital wallets, accessible only with private keys. Without transferring these keys to heirs, the assets can be lost forever. According to the analytical platform Chainalysis, the volume of investments in the Russian crypto market is expected to reach 2.3 trillion rubles by 2025, highlighting the scale of the problem.
The deputies' proposal includes introducing the term 'digital heritage' into legislation and developing a mechanism that allows citizens to determine the fate of their digital assets in advance. This may include transferring passwords, access keys to crypto wallets, or instructions for managing accounts. In some countries, like China, similar mechanisms are already in place, confirming the potential for successful implementation of the initiative.
The bill is currently under discussion and coordination. If adopted, it will become part of a larger process of regulating digital assets in Russia. It is worth noting that in 2024, the State Duma already passed laws regulating the taxation of cryptocurrencies and their use in cross-border transactions. For example, starting January 1, 2025, an article in the Tax Code will take effect, defining the taxation of operations with digital currencies, including mining.
Introducing the concept of 'digital heritage' has not only legal but also social significance. Social media accounts often contain personal data, photos, and communications, which hold emotional value for relatives. Experts estimate that already in 2012, there were approximately 400,000 'dead' accounts on Facebook, and by 2050, their number could exceed that of active users.
Cryptocurrencies, in turn, are becoming an important part of the financial assets of Russians. Legalizing their inheritance will protect citizens' rights and prevent the loss of valuable assets. Experts note that transparency and legal certainty in this area will also help reduce fraud risks and tax evasion.
The State Duma's initiative to introduce 'digital heritage' reflects Russia's desire to adapt legislation to the realities of the digital era. Creating legal mechanisms for the inheritance of cryptocurrencies and social media accounts will be an important step in ensuring the preservation of citizens' digital assets. The discussion of the bill is expected to continue in the coming months, and its adoption could significantly impact the development of the digital economy in the country.