Theory and practice of intellectual property
№ 3 / 2026

ISSN (Print) 2308-0361
ISSN (Online) 2519-2744

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33731/tpip.2026.3.12

Submitted     2026-07-27
Accepted      2026-08-21
Published      2026-09-10

Issues relating to the legal regulation of minors’ participation in modelling activities

Viktoriia Rukavchuk
Master of Law,
Vasyl’ Stus Donetsk National University
Vinnytsia, Ukraine
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2690-0675

Abstract
This article examines the issues surrounding the legal regulation of minors’ participation in modelling in Ukraine. It analyses the provisions of Ukrainian legislation and international legal instruments. It has been established that current legislation does not contain specific, comprehensive regulations governing minors’ participation in modelling activities; consequently, the legal status of the child and the conditions of their participation are determined by a combination of general legal provisions. Particular attention is paid to the issues surrounding the contractual formalisation of such relationships. The need for a specific definition of the essential terms of contracts governing minors’ participation in modelling activities is substantiated. Separately, the study examines issues relating to the digital environment, in particular the creation of a digital footprint, the reuse of images of children and their potential use in artificial intelligence technologies. Recommendations are put forward for improving legislation concerning the specific regulation of modelling activities involving minors, contractual safeguards and the protection of children’s rights in the digital environment.

Keywords: modelling agency, children’s rights, moral rights, contract, personal data, digital environment

References

Buchanan, R., Southgate, E., Smith, S. P., Murray, T., & Noble, B. (2017). Post no photos, leave no trace: Children’s digital footprint management strategies. E-Learning and Digital Media, 14(5), 275-290.
https://doi.org/10.1177/2042753017751711

Caetano, C., dos Santos, G. O., Petrucci, C., Barros, A., Laranjeira, C., Ribeiro, L. S. F., de Mendonça, J. F., dos Santos, J. A., & Avila, S. (2025). Neglected Risks: The Disturbing Reality of Children’s Images in Datasets and the Urgent Call for Accountability. Proceedings of the 2025 ACM Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency, 2542-2553.
https://doi.org/10.1145/3715275.3732166

Leijten, E., & van der Hof, S. (2025). Dissecting the commercial profiling of children: A proposed taxonomy and assessment of the GDPR, UCPD, DSA and AI Act in light of the precautionary principle. Computer Law & Security Review, 57.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clsr.2025.106143

Saggu, K. (2026). Contractual Representation of Child Models and the Protection of Their Personality Rights in the Fashion Industry: Examining the Role of Parents and Guardians. Record Of Law.
https://recordoflaw.in/contractual-representation-of-child-models-and-the-protection-of-their-personality-rights-in-the-fashion-industry-examining-the-role-of-parents-and-guardians/?utm_source

Золотухіна, Л. О., та Сидоренко, А. А. (2021). Правове регулювання праці неповнолітніх: національний та міжнародний досвід. Молодий вчений, 6(94), 64-67.
https://doi.org/10.32839/2304-5809/2021-6-94-14