Abstract The increasing use of information on digital gene sequences (digital sequence information – DSI) in biotechnological products and services is rekindling discussions on the effective protection of rights over genetic resources within the scope of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol (NP). After long-standing controversy, the United Nations Environment Programme is moving towards adopting a multilateral mechanism for sharing benefits that arise from the use of DSI. However, it is questionable to what extent the regulatory model adopted effectively promotes the fair and equitable sharing of such benefits. This article presents the reasons behind this and proposes a model for the global regulation of DSI that not only combines efficient procedures with the objectives of the CBD and the NP, but also allows integration with multilateral mechanisms of other international treaties.