International Legal Mechanisms for Ensuring the Principle of Non-Discrimination in Digital Higher Education

Abstract

The article examines the theoretical reconceptualization of the principle of non-discrimination in relation to the digital educational environment of higher education institutions and identifies legal mechanisms for ensuring digital equality among students. Based on an analysis of international law, national legislation, and legal doctrine, it is substantiated that nondiscrimination in the digital environment cannot be reduced to mere formal access. Formal-legal, socio-legal, and technologycritical approaches are compared, and their complementary nature is demonstrated. The risks of hidden digital inequality are systematized, and a comprehensive model for ensuring non-discrimination is proposed. The model integrates internal antidiscrimination standards of higher education institutions, assessments of platform accessibility, adaptation of educational resources, the development of digital literacy, transparency of automated assessment and proctoring systems, a multilingual language policy, and the protection of personal data. The article also concludes that the current national regulatory framework is sufficient at the level of general principles; however, it remains framework-oriented and requires further specification with regard to the activities of higher education institutions. Keywords: non-discrimination, digital educational environment, right to education, inclusion, personal data protection.

Keywords:  international legal mechanisms, principle of non-discrimination, digital educational environment, right to education, inclusivity, personal data protection.