Annotation

Purpose: This study aims to identify and analyze gaps and inconsistencies in the legal and institutional framework of the Russian Federation for protecting minors (including those who have committed offenses) from digital stigma. Methods: The study is based on a critical analysis of current Russian legislation in the areas of personal data protection, information security, penal law, and media regulation. The methodology includes identifying legal and institutional barriers and systematizing key regulatory deficiencies. Results. The following systemic problems were identified: the absence of a «right to be forgotten» for minors as a specialized mechanism; imperfect media regulation that encourages sensationalism; and low awareness among adolescents of protective measures. It is emphasized that current regulations fail to take into account the algorithmic nature of the spread of stigma, which creates insurmountable barriers to the removal of compromising information. Discussion. The scientific significance of this study lies in its conceptualization of digital stigma as a legal category requiring special regulation and in its systematization of legislative gaps at the intersection of information technology, criminal justice, and the protection of minors' rights. Its practical significance lies in the development of specific proposals for modernizing legal and institutional mechanisms aimed at creating an effective protection system.