The new Civil Code contains loopholes for corrupt officials – YouControl

The Verkhovna Rada approved Draft Civil Code No. 15150 in its first reading, a bill that poses risks to transparency and freedom of speech. The document provides for an expanded “right to be forgotten,” which allows for the removal of information about an individual if they believe it has “lost public interest.” 

This was reported by YouControl.

Such provisions could allow individuals implicated in corruption cases or former owners of sanctioned companies to conceal their business ties with Russia in the media and analytical systems. Certain articles of the bill introduce the concept of a legal entity’s “digital image,” which prohibits the processing of data about companies without their consent. This jeopardizes the operation of OSINT systems, compliance services, and financial monitoring mechanisms.

Speaker of Parliament Ruslan Stefanchuk calls the initiative a step toward modernizing private law, but experts warn of the threat of SLAPP lawsuits against journalists due to the introduction of the “right to informational peace.” Experts emphasize the need to revise the document before the second reading to avoid the depersonalization of socially important data. Bill No. 15150 was registered only on April 9 and was quickly adopted as the basis for the bill, replacing the previous version.

Stefanchuk explained the introduction of the term “good practice” in the Civil Code.

No one really needs the new Civil Code

The Civil Code needs to be revised; otherwise, there will be more misunderstandings