Doping in digital society: legal countermeasures

Aim. The study aims to analyze the factors contributing to the use of doping in a digital society and to develop corresponding legal measures to counter it. Materials and methods. The research employs several methodological approaches: doctrinal legal research is used to specify the factors contributing to the spread of doping; the structural functional method is applied to develop solutions to the identified problems; and the proposed measures are grounded in practical enforcement through an analysis of law enforcement practices. Results. The study reveals several key factors that lead athletes to use doping within the digital context: the widespread availability of criminal online content that advertises the efficacy of doping substances and facilitates their purchase; the possibility of anonymous and contactless acquisition of prohibited drugs; and the instrumentalization of anti-doping measures as a tool of political pressure, which undermines athletes’ motivation for fair competition. Conclusion. Effectively countering the spread of doping in the digital environment requires a multi-faceted approach: strengthening legal penalties for internet crimes related to doping; protecting athletes from criminal content through automated systems that utilize artificial intelligence to legally evaluate and block such websites; and depoliticizing international anti-doping organizations to eliminate nationality discrimination in sport.