diff --git a/compiler/fir/analysis-tests/tests-gen/org/jetbrains/kotlin/test/runners/FirOldFrontendDiagnosticsTestGenerated.java b/compiler/fir/analysis-tests/tests-gen/org/jetbrains/kotlin/test/runners/FirOldFrontendDiagnosticsTestGenerated.java
index 56b9c23c588..7bda4473beb 100644
--- a/compiler/fir/analysis-tests/tests-gen/org/jetbrains/kotlin/test/runners/FirOldFrontendDiagnosticsTestGenerated.java
+++ b/compiler/fir/analysis-tests/tests-gen/org/jetbrains/kotlin/test/runners/FirOldFrontendDiagnosticsTestGenerated.java
@@ -24397,6 +24397,12 @@ public class FirOldFrontendDiagnosticsTestGenerated extends AbstractFirDiagnosti
                 runTest("compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/kt44316.kt");
             }
 
+            @Test
+            @TestMetadata("kt44861.kt")
+            public void testKt44861() throws Exception {
+                runTest("compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/kt44861.kt");
+            }
+
             @Test
             @TestMetadata("Local.kt")
             public void testLocal() throws Exception {
diff --git a/compiler/testData/compileKotlinAgainstCustomBinaries/sealedInheritorInDifferentModule/output.txt b/compiler/testData/compileKotlinAgainstCustomBinaries/sealedInheritorInDifferentModule/output.txt
index b22e0dc8b0d..242942dc732 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/compileKotlinAgainstCustomBinaries/sealedInheritorInDifferentModule/output.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/compileKotlinAgainstCustomBinaries/sealedInheritorInDifferentModule/output.txt
@@ -8,9 +8,6 @@ This mode is not recommended for production use,
 as no stability/compatibility guarantees are given on
 compiler or generated code. Use it at your own risk!
 
-compiler/testData/compileKotlinAgainstCustomBinaries/sealedInheritorInDifferentModule/main.kt:5:11: error: cannot access '<init>': it is internal in 'Base'
-class B : Base(), IBase
-          ^
 compiler/testData/compileKotlinAgainstCustomBinaries/sealedInheritorInDifferentModule/main.kt:5:11: error: inheritance of sealed classes or interfaces from different module is prohibited
 class B : Base(), IBase
           ^
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/dataClasses/sealedDataClass.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/dataClasses/sealedDataClass.txt
index 843867f4337..77537adb9c0 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/dataClasses/sealedDataClass.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/dataClasses/sealedDataClass.txt
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 package
 
 public sealed data class My {
-    internal constructor My(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
+    protected constructor My(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
     public final val x: kotlin.Int
     public final operator /*synthesized*/ fun component1(): kotlin.Int
     public final /*synthesized*/ fun copy(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int = ...): My
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/generics/starProjections/foldRecursiveTypesToStarProjection.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/generics/starProjections/foldRecursiveTypesToStarProjection.txt
index 9e03553cdbf..53a8c5c4272 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/generics/starProjections/foldRecursiveTypesToStarProjection.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/generics/starProjections/foldRecursiveTypesToStarProjection.txt
@@ -77,27 +77,27 @@ public object KT32183 {
     }
 
     public sealed class ProjectJob {
-        internal constructor ProjectJob()
+        protected constructor ProjectJob()
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
 
         public sealed class Process</*0*/ E : KT32183.ProjectJob.ProcessExecutable<E>, /*1*/ R : KT32183.ProjectJob.ProcessResources<R>> : KT32183.ProjectJob {
-            internal constructor Process</*0*/ E : KT32183.ProjectJob.ProcessExecutable<E>, /*1*/ R : KT32183.ProjectJob.ProcessResources<R>>()
+            protected constructor Process</*0*/ E : KT32183.ProjectJob.ProcessExecutable<E>, /*1*/ R : KT32183.ProjectJob.ProcessResources<R>>()
             public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
             public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
             public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
         }
 
         public sealed class ProcessExecutable</*0*/ E : KT32183.ProjectJob.ProcessExecutable<E>> {
-            internal constructor ProcessExecutable</*0*/ E : KT32183.ProjectJob.ProcessExecutable<E>>()
+            protected constructor ProcessExecutable</*0*/ E : KT32183.ProjectJob.ProcessExecutable<E>>()
             public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
             public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
             public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
         }
 
         public sealed class ProcessResources</*0*/ R : KT32183.ProjectJob.ProcessResources<R>> {
-            internal constructor ProcessResources</*0*/ R : KT32183.ProjectJob.ProcessResources<R>>()
+            protected constructor ProcessResources</*0*/ R : KT32183.ProjectJob.ProcessResources<R>>()
             public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
             public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
             public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/inference/nothingType/kt32388.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/inference/nothingType/kt32388.txt
index 77f67644feb..0f07201d266 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/inference/nothingType/kt32388.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/inference/nothingType/kt32388.txt
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ public fun </*0*/ A, /*1*/ B> Either<A, B>.recover(/*0*/ f: (A) -> B): Either<A,
 public fun </*0*/ A> A.right(): Either<kotlin.Nothing, A>
 
 public sealed class Either</*0*/ out A, /*1*/ out B> {
-    internal constructor Either</*0*/ out A, /*1*/ out B>()
+    protected constructor Either</*0*/ out A, /*1*/ out B>()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/inlineClasses/inlineClassDeclarationCheck.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/inlineClasses/inlineClassDeclarationCheck.txt
index d5932702482..48484d908dd 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/inlineClasses/inlineClassDeclarationCheck.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/inlineClasses/inlineClassDeclarationCheck.txt
@@ -174,7 +174,7 @@ public abstract inline class D2 {
 }
 
 public sealed inline class D3 {
-    internal constructor D3(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
+    protected constructor D3(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
     public final val x: kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*synthesized*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*synthesized*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/javac/inners/Nested.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/javac/inners/Nested.txt
index 9b8503cf487..df678815f7a 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/javac/inners/Nested.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/javac/inners/Nested.txt
@@ -21,13 +21,13 @@ package p {
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
 
         public sealed class Sealed1 {
-            internal constructor Sealed1()
+            protected constructor Sealed1()
             public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
             public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
             public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
 
             public sealed class Sealed2 {
-                internal constructor Sealed2()
+                protected constructor Sealed2()
                 public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
                 public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
                 public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/modifiers/IllegalModifiers.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/modifiers/IllegalModifiers.txt
index 18f8bd789ee..3ecc2db5c1c 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/modifiers/IllegalModifiers.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/modifiers/IllegalModifiers.txt
@@ -155,7 +155,7 @@ package illegal_modifiers {
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
 
         public sealed inner class Inner {
-            internal constructor Inner()
+            protected constructor Inner()
             public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
             public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
             public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/multimodule/redundantElseInWhen.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/multimodule/redundantElseInWhen.txt
index 4fab4c6ad6e..83b0ccc371f 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/multimodule/redundantElseInWhen.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/multimodule/redundantElseInWhen.txt
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ package test {
     }
 
     public sealed class S {
-        internal constructor S()
+        protected constructor S()
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/multiplatform/headerClass/extendExpectedClassWithAbstractMember.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/multiplatform/headerClass/extendExpectedClassWithAbstractMember.txt
index 8e6a3c4f8e7..390994b22a2 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/multiplatform/headerClass/extendExpectedClassWithAbstractMember.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/multiplatform/headerClass/extendExpectedClassWithAbstractMember.txt
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ public expect interface BaseE {
 }
 
 public sealed class BaseEImpl : BaseE {
-    internal constructor BaseEImpl()
+    protected constructor BaseEImpl()
     public final fun bar(): kotlin.Unit
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public abstract expect override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun foo(): kotlin.Unit
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/multiplatform/sealedTypeAlias.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/multiplatform/sealedTypeAlias.txt
index 36e27006142..b0c1b8c7737 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/multiplatform/sealedTypeAlias.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/multiplatform/sealedTypeAlias.txt
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ public sealed expect class Presence {
 package
 
 public sealed class P {
-    internal constructor P()
+    protected constructor P()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/multiplatform/sealedTypeAliasTopLevel.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/multiplatform/sealedTypeAliasTopLevel.txt
index 16eaf0abd1a..e2f8b900b62 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/multiplatform/sealedTypeAliasTopLevel.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/multiplatform/sealedTypeAliasTopLevel.txt
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ public actual object Online : P {
 }
 
 public sealed class P {
-    internal constructor P()
+    protected constructor P()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/DerivedTopLevel.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/DerivedTopLevel.txt
index 7f1ab161a05..c8943bdb8d6 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/DerivedTopLevel.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/DerivedTopLevel.txt
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ package
 public fun test(): kotlin.Unit
 
 public sealed class Base {
-    internal constructor Base()
+    protected constructor Base()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/DoubleInner.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/DoubleInner.txt
index 050d26bc834..5a52ffe2028 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/DoubleInner.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/DoubleInner.txt
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 package
 
 public sealed class Sealed {
-    internal constructor Sealed(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
+    protected constructor Sealed(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
     public final val x: kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveOnRoot.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveOnRoot.txt
index 425b7c75ed6..f15a8692714 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveOnRoot.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveOnRoot.txt
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ public fun test2(/*0*/ x: Stmt): kotlin.String
 public fun test3(/*0*/ x: Expr): kotlin.String
 
 public sealed class Expr : Stmt {
-    internal constructor Expr()
+    protected constructor Expr()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ public final class ForStmt : Stmt {
 }
 
 public sealed class Stmt {
-    internal constructor Stmt()
+    protected constructor Stmt()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveOnTree.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveOnTree.txt
index 2559c794d81..550617693cd 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveOnTree.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveOnTree.txt
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 package
 
 public sealed class Base {
-    internal constructor Base()
+    protected constructor Base()
     public final fun bar(): kotlin.Int
     public final fun baz(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ public sealed class Base {
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
 
     public sealed class A : Base {
-        internal constructor A()
+        protected constructor A()
         public final override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun bar(): kotlin.Int
         public final override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun baz(): kotlin.Int
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ public sealed class Base {
         }
 
         public sealed class A2 : Base.A {
-            internal constructor A2()
+            protected constructor A2()
             public final override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun bar(): kotlin.Int
             public final override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun baz(): kotlin.Int
             public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ public sealed class Base {
     }
 
     public sealed class B : Base {
-        internal constructor B()
+        protected constructor B()
         public final override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun bar(): kotlin.Int
         public final override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun baz(): kotlin.Int
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ public sealed class Base {
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
 
         public sealed class B1 : Base.B {
-            internal constructor B1()
+            protected constructor B1()
             public final override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun bar(): kotlin.Int
             public final override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun baz(): kotlin.Int
             public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveOnTriangleStar.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveOnTriangleStar.txt
index ed10fcf8de7..f5740263809 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveOnTriangleStar.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveOnTriangleStar.txt
@@ -5,14 +5,14 @@ public fun test2(/*0*/ a: A): kotlin.Any
 public fun test3(/*0*/ a: A): kotlin.Any
 
 public sealed class A {
-    internal constructor A()
+    protected constructor A()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
 }
 
 public sealed class B : A {
-    internal constructor B()
+    protected constructor B()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhen.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhen.txt
index 6052d5fbd87..65d4e9fdc00 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhen.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhen.txt
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ package
 public fun foo(/*0*/ s: Sealed): kotlin.Int
 
 public sealed class Sealed {
-    internal constructor Sealed(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
+    protected constructor Sealed(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
     public final val x: kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenDoubleInner.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenDoubleInner.txt
index cd86b738170..646192acfe2 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenDoubleInner.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenDoubleInner.txt
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ package
 public fun foo(/*0*/ s: Sealed): kotlin.Int
 
 public sealed class Sealed {
-    internal constructor Sealed()
+    protected constructor Sealed()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenMultipleInner.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenMultipleInner.txt
index 353be8f9350..ec253e484a0 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenMultipleInner.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenMultipleInner.txt
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ public fun fooWithElse(/*0*/ s: Sealed): kotlin.Int
 public fun fooWithoutElse(/*0*/ s: Sealed): kotlin.Int
 
 public sealed class Sealed {
-    internal constructor Sealed()
+    protected constructor Sealed()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenNegated.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenNegated.txt
index 6052d5fbd87..65d4e9fdc00 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenNegated.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenNegated.txt
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ package
 public fun foo(/*0*/ s: Sealed): kotlin.Int
 
 public sealed class Sealed {
-    internal constructor Sealed(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
+    protected constructor Sealed(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
     public final val x: kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenNegatedTwice.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenNegatedTwice.txt
index 9822f3cd0f9..29c0361b454 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenNegatedTwice.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenNegatedTwice.txt
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ package
 public fun foo(/*0*/ s: Sealed): kotlin.Int
 
 public sealed class Sealed {
-    internal constructor Sealed(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
+    protected constructor Sealed(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
     public final val x: kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenOnNestedSealed.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenOnNestedSealed.txt
index b352827f224..49814aa3f94 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenOnNestedSealed.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenOnNestedSealed.txt
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ package
 public fun foo(/*0*/ s: Sealed, /*1*/ nf: Sealed.NonFirst): kotlin.Int
 
 public sealed class Sealed {
-    internal constructor Sealed()
+    protected constructor Sealed()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ public sealed class Sealed {
     }
 
     public sealed class NonFirst {
-        internal constructor NonFirst()
+        protected constructor NonFirst()
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenOnNullable.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenOnNullable.txt
index 3e989e300bb..493d5324277 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenOnNullable.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenOnNullable.txt
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ package
 public fun foo(/*0*/ s: Sealed?): kotlin.Int
 
 public sealed class Sealed {
-    internal constructor Sealed(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
+    protected constructor Sealed(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
     public final val x: kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenWithAdditionalMember.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenWithAdditionalMember.txt
index 5abe4e1702c..d7207cf4026 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenWithAdditionalMember.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenWithAdditionalMember.txt
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ package
 public fun foo(/*0*/ s: Sealed): kotlin.Int
 
 public sealed class Sealed {
-    internal constructor Sealed(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
+    protected constructor Sealed(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
     public final val x: kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenWithElse.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenWithElse.txt
index 6052d5fbd87..65d4e9fdc00 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenWithElse.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWhenWithElse.txt
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ package
 public fun foo(/*0*/ s: Sealed): kotlin.Int
 
 public sealed class Sealed {
-    internal constructor Sealed(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
+    protected constructor Sealed(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
     public final val x: kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWithFreedom.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWithFreedom.txt
index ca2a9591379..98acc061369 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWithFreedom.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/ExhaustiveWithFreedom.txt
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ public final class B : Base {
 }
 
 public sealed class Base {
-    internal constructor Base()
+    protected constructor Base()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/Local.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/Local.txt
index bbb25c8a302..cf186acae6f 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/Local.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/Local.txt
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 package
 
 public sealed class Sealed {
-    internal constructor Sealed()
+    protected constructor Sealed()
     public final val p: Sealed
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/MultipleFiles_enabled.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/MultipleFiles_enabled.txt
index dcfabb459ad..08d57bd8c1f 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/MultipleFiles_enabled.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/MultipleFiles_enabled.txt
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ package foo {
     }
 
     public sealed class Base {
-        internal constructor Base()
+        protected constructor Base()
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NestedSealed.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NestedSealed.txt
index 10a7db9e368..86fda2408b0 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NestedSealed.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NestedSealed.txt
@@ -5,13 +5,13 @@ public fun foo(/*0*/ b: Base): kotlin.Int
 public fun gav(/*0*/ b: Base?): kotlin.Int
 
 public sealed class Base {
-    internal constructor Base()
+    protected constructor Base()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
 
     public sealed class A : Base {
-        internal constructor A()
+        protected constructor A()
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ public sealed class Base {
     }
 
     public sealed class B : Base {
-        internal constructor B()
+        protected constructor B()
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NestedSealedWithoutRestrictions.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NestedSealedWithoutRestrictions.txt
index 319749dd71b..c7af0a0265a 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NestedSealedWithoutRestrictions.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NestedSealedWithoutRestrictions.txt
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ package foo {
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
 
         public sealed class Base {
-            internal constructor Base()
+            protected constructor Base()
             public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
             public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
             public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NeverConstructed.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NeverConstructed.txt
index f210e874257..4da34c6bf43 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NeverConstructed.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NeverConstructed.txt
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 package
 
 public sealed class Base {
-    internal constructor Base()
+    protected constructor Base()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public final fun foo(): Base
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NeverDerivedFromNested.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NeverDerivedFromNested.txt
index faaa729b10a..7d5b241b972 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NeverDerivedFromNested.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NeverDerivedFromNested.txt
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ public final class A {
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
 
     public sealed class Base {
-        internal constructor Base()
+        protected constructor Base()
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NeverFinal.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NeverFinal.txt
index 4f963ec4c07..46eb741a0f0 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NeverFinal.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NeverFinal.txt
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 package
 
 public sealed class Base {
-    internal constructor Base()
+    protected constructor Base()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NeverOpen.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NeverOpen.txt
index 4f963ec4c07..46eb741a0f0 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NeverOpen.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NeverOpen.txt
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 package
 
 public sealed class Base {
-    internal constructor Base()
+    protected constructor Base()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NonExhaustiveWhen.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NonExhaustiveWhen.txt
index 6052d5fbd87..65d4e9fdc00 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NonExhaustiveWhen.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NonExhaustiveWhen.txt
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ package
 public fun foo(/*0*/ s: Sealed): kotlin.Int
 
 public sealed class Sealed {
-    internal constructor Sealed(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
+    protected constructor Sealed(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
     public final val x: kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NonExhaustiveWhenNegated.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NonExhaustiveWhenNegated.txt
index 6052d5fbd87..65d4e9fdc00 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NonExhaustiveWhenNegated.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NonExhaustiveWhenNegated.txt
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ package
 public fun foo(/*0*/ s: Sealed): kotlin.Int
 
 public sealed class Sealed {
-    internal constructor Sealed(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
+    protected constructor Sealed(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
     public final val x: kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NonExhaustiveWhenWithAdditionalCase.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NonExhaustiveWhenWithAdditionalCase.txt
index 33444b8be1b..062a84e7cb4 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NonExhaustiveWhenWithAdditionalCase.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NonExhaustiveWhenWithAdditionalCase.txt
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ package
 public fun foo(/*0*/ s: Sealed): kotlin.Int
 
 public sealed class Sealed {
-    internal constructor Sealed(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
+    protected constructor Sealed(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
     public final val x: kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NonExhaustiveWhenWithAnyCase.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NonExhaustiveWhenWithAnyCase.txt
index fa27bc4811d..f5f1ba57a6d 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NonExhaustiveWhenWithAnyCase.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NonExhaustiveWhenWithAnyCase.txt
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ package
 public fun foo(/*0*/ s: Sealed): kotlin.Int
 
 public sealed class Sealed {
-    internal constructor Sealed()
+    protected constructor Sealed()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NonPrivateConstructor.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NonPrivateConstructor.txt
index 18a46c7808f..1d5b1a0cff8 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NonPrivateConstructor.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NonPrivateConstructor.txt
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ package
 public sealed class Sealed {
     public constructor Sealed()
     protected constructor Sealed(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
-    internal constructor Sealed(/*0*/ y: kotlin.Int, /*1*/ z: kotlin.Int)
+    protected constructor Sealed(/*0*/ y: kotlin.Int, /*1*/ z: kotlin.Int)
     public final val x: kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NotFinal.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NotFinal.txt
index 23ce8ce7f29..5fb316f0061 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NotFinal.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/NotFinal.txt
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ package
 public fun </*0*/ T : Foo> doit(/*0*/ arg: T): T
 
 public sealed class Foo {
-    internal constructor Foo()
+    protected constructor Foo()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/OperationWhen.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/OperationWhen.txt
index cebdb6ea323..b33e17253b1 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/OperationWhen.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/OperationWhen.txt
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ package
 public fun priority(/*0*/ op: Operation): kotlin.Int
 
 public sealed class Operation {
-    internal constructor Operation(/*0*/ left: kotlin.Int, /*1*/ right: kotlin.Int)
+    protected constructor Operation(/*0*/ left: kotlin.Int, /*1*/ right: kotlin.Int)
     public final val left: kotlin.Int
     public final val right: kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/RedundantAbstract.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/RedundantAbstract.txt
index 4f963ec4c07..46eb741a0f0 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/RedundantAbstract.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/RedundantAbstract.txt
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 package
 
 public sealed class Base {
-    internal constructor Base()
+    protected constructor Base()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/TreeWhen.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/TreeWhen.txt
index 0b16ddc38f4..02411f9ef20 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/TreeWhen.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/TreeWhen.txt
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 package
 
 public sealed class Tree {
-    internal constructor Tree()
+    protected constructor Tree()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public final fun max(): kotlin.Int
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/TreeWhenFunctional.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/TreeWhenFunctional.txt
index 0b16ddc38f4..02411f9ef20 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/TreeWhenFunctional.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/TreeWhenFunctional.txt
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 package
 
 public sealed class Tree {
-    internal constructor Tree()
+    protected constructor Tree()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public final fun max(): kotlin.Int
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/TreeWhenFunctionalNoIs.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/TreeWhenFunctionalNoIs.txt
index 64955fd0483..44fa55952bc 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/TreeWhenFunctionalNoIs.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/TreeWhenFunctionalNoIs.txt
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 package
 
 public sealed class Tree {
-    internal constructor Tree()
+    protected constructor Tree()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public final fun max(): kotlin.Int
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/WhenOnEmptySealed.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/WhenOnEmptySealed.txt
index 50319d715ed..db360066c7f 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/WhenOnEmptySealed.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/WhenOnEmptySealed.txt
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ package
 public fun foo(/*0*/ s: Sealed): kotlin.Int
 
 public sealed class Sealed {
-    internal constructor Sealed()
+    protected constructor Sealed()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/WithInterface.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/WithInterface.txt
index 62bb5d50b1f..8b8ea324fdf 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/WithInterface.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/WithInterface.txt
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ public interface Child : Parent {
 }
 
 public sealed class Page : Parent {
-    internal constructor Page()
+    protected constructor Page()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/inheritorInDifferentModule.kt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/inheritorInDifferentModule.kt
index b1204703749..0942b62225f 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/inheritorInDifferentModule.kt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/inheritorInDifferentModule.kt
@@ -14,4 +14,4 @@ class A : Base()
 
 package a
 
-class B : <!INVISIBLE_MEMBER, SEALED_INHERITOR_IN_DIFFERENT_MODULE!>Base<!>()
+class B : <!SEALED_INHERITOR_IN_DIFFERENT_MODULE!>Base<!>()
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/inheritorInDifferentModule.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/inheritorInDifferentModule.txt
index 334e5f75c20..f3a8eb1d81a 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/inheritorInDifferentModule.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/inheritorInDifferentModule.txt
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ package a {
     }
 
     public sealed class Base {
-        internal constructor Base()
+        protected constructor Base()
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/interfaces/simpleSealedInterface.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/interfaces/simpleSealedInterface.txt
index 1cc0a6b869a..dc7af7b2bc0 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/interfaces/simpleSealedInterface.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/interfaces/simpleSealedInterface.txt
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ public interface A : Base {
 }
 
 public sealed class B : Base {
-    internal constructor B()
+    protected constructor B()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/kt44316.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/kt44316.txt
index 6e077339484..a668f2115fb 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/kt44316.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/kt44316.txt
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 package
 
 public sealed class Base {
-    internal constructor Base()
+    protected constructor Base()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/kt44861.fir.kt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/kt44861.fir.kt
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..9e13166b1ce
--- /dev/null
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/kt44861.fir.kt
@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+// ISSUE: KT-44861
+// DIAGNOSTICS: -UNUSED_VARIABLE
+
+sealed class Foo() {
+    class A : Foo()
+    class B : Foo()
+}
+
+fun Foo(kind: String = "A"): Foo = when (kind) {
+    "A" -> Foo.A()
+    "B" -> Foo.B()
+    else -> throw Exception()
+}
+
+fun main() {
+    val foo = <!SEALED_CLASS_CONSTRUCTOR_CALL!>Foo<!>()
+}
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/kt44861.kt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/kt44861.kt
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..72198eaf079
--- /dev/null
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/kt44861.kt
@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+// ISSUE: KT-44861
+// DIAGNOSTICS: -UNUSED_VARIABLE
+
+sealed class Foo() {
+    class A : Foo()
+    class B : Foo()
+}
+
+fun Foo(kind: String = "A"): Foo = when (kind) {
+    "A" -> Foo.A()
+    "B" -> Foo.B()
+    else -> throw Exception()
+}
+
+fun main() {
+    val foo = Foo()
+}
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/kt44861.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/kt44861.txt
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..01283f193ca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/kt44861.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+package
+
+public fun Foo(/*0*/ kind: kotlin.String = ...): Foo
+public fun main(): kotlin.Unit
+
+public sealed class Foo {
+    protected constructor Foo()
+    public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
+    public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
+    public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
+
+    public final class A : Foo {
+        public constructor A()
+        public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
+        public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
+        public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
+    }
+
+    public final class B : Foo {
+        public constructor B()
+        public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
+        public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
+        public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
+    }
+}
+
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/smartCasts/fakeSmartCastOnEquality.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/smartCasts/fakeSmartCastOnEquality.txt
index 37cc7ceaaf3..3c13604bec0 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/smartCasts/fakeSmartCastOnEquality.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/smartCasts/fakeSmartCastOnEquality.txt
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ public open class OpenClass2 {
 }
 
 public sealed class Sealed {
-    internal constructor Sealed()
+    protected constructor Sealed()
     public final fun check(/*0*/ arg: Sealed.Sealed1): kotlin.Unit
     public open override /*1*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/smartCasts/openInSealed.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/smartCasts/openInSealed.txt
index 050f6bbc035..fb117bcb527 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/smartCasts/openInSealed.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/smartCasts/openInSealed.txt
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 package
 
 public sealed class My {
-    internal constructor My(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int?)
+    protected constructor My(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int?)
     public open val x: kotlin.Int?
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/tailRecOnVirtualMember.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/tailRecOnVirtualMember.txt
index 1860f2bcccb..c1e5c96e5d9 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/tailRecOnVirtualMember.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/tailRecOnVirtualMember.txt
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ public object D : A {
 }
 
 public sealed class E : A {
-    internal constructor E()
+    protected constructor E()
     internal final override /*1*/ tailrec /*fake_override*/ fun baa(/*0*/ y: kotlin.Int): kotlin.Unit
     internal open override /*1*/ tailrec fun bar(/*0*/ y: kotlin.Int): kotlin.Unit
     protected open override /*1*/ tailrec fun baz(/*0*/ y: kotlin.Int): kotlin.Unit
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/tailRecOnVirtualMemberError.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/tailRecOnVirtualMemberError.txt
index 1860f2bcccb..c1e5c96e5d9 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/tailRecOnVirtualMemberError.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/tailRecOnVirtualMemberError.txt
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ public object D : A {
 }
 
 public sealed class E : A {
-    internal constructor E()
+    protected constructor E()
     internal final override /*1*/ tailrec /*fake_override*/ fun baa(/*0*/ y: kotlin.Int): kotlin.Unit
     internal open override /*1*/ tailrec fun bar(/*0*/ y: kotlin.Int): kotlin.Unit
     protected open override /*1*/ tailrec fun baz(/*0*/ y: kotlin.Int): kotlin.Unit
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/typealias/typeAliasConstructorWrongClass.kt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/typealias/typeAliasConstructorWrongClass.kt
index e0ea89e6131..cafaeda2aa2 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/typealias/typeAliasConstructorWrongClass.kt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/typealias/typeAliasConstructorWrongClass.kt
@@ -17,8 +17,8 @@ val test3a = <!ENUM_CLASS_CONSTRUCTOR_CALL!><!INVISIBLE_MEMBER!>EnumClass<!>()<!
 
 sealed class SealedClass
 typealias Test4 = SealedClass
-val test4 = <!SEALED_CLASS_CONSTRUCTOR_CALL!>Test4()<!>
-val test4a = <!SEALED_CLASS_CONSTRUCTOR_CALL!>SealedClass()<!>
+val test4 = <!SEALED_CLASS_CONSTRUCTOR_CALL!><!INVISIBLE_MEMBER!>Test4<!>()<!>
+val test4a = <!SEALED_CLASS_CONSTRUCTOR_CALL!><!INVISIBLE_MEMBER!>SealedClass<!>()<!>
 
 class Outer {
     inner class Inner
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/typealias/typeAliasConstructorWrongClass.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/typealias/typeAliasConstructorWrongClass.txt
index 766cd3606c4..9abd398cf90 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/typealias/typeAliasConstructorWrongClass.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/typealias/typeAliasConstructorWrongClass.txt
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ public final class Outer {
 }
 
 public sealed class SealedClass {
-    internal constructor SealedClass()
+    protected constructor SealedClass()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/valueClasses/valueClassDeclarationCheck.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/valueClasses/valueClassDeclarationCheck.txt
index 432311e420f..3441adc1500 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/valueClasses/valueClassDeclarationCheck.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/valueClasses/valueClassDeclarationCheck.txt
@@ -152,7 +152,7 @@ package kotlin {
         }
 
         public sealed value class D3 {
-            internal constructor D3(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
+            protected constructor D3(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Int)
             public final val x: kotlin.Int
             public open override /*1*/ /*synthesized*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
             public open override /*1*/ /*synthesized*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/when/NonExhaustiveWarningForSealedClass.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/when/NonExhaustiveWarningForSealedClass.txt
index 7a7ce296cff..cbb2008f73a 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/when/NonExhaustiveWarningForSealedClass.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/when/NonExhaustiveWarningForSealedClass.txt
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ public object Last : S {
 }
 
 public sealed class S {
-    internal constructor S()
+    protected constructor S()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/when/RedundantElse.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/when/RedundantElse.txt
index 70da44887fa..95ad6de9dad 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/when/RedundantElse.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/when/RedundantElse.txt
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ public final enum class MyEnum : kotlin.Enum<MyEnum!> {
 }
 
 public sealed class X {
-    internal constructor X()
+    protected constructor X()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/when/TopLevelSealed.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/when/TopLevelSealed.txt
index 888bd637178..54f30dbde5a 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/when/TopLevelSealed.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/when/TopLevelSealed.txt
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ package
 public fun test(/*0*/ a: A): kotlin.Unit
 
 public sealed class A {
-    internal constructor A()
+    protected constructor A()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/when/withSubjectVariable/smartcastToSealed.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/when/withSubjectVariable/smartcastToSealed.txt
index deebd0be736..19381b112ee 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/when/withSubjectVariable/smartcastToSealed.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/when/withSubjectVariable/smartcastToSealed.txt
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ public fun testSmartcastToSealedInSubjectInitializer1(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Any?): kot
 public fun testSmartcastToSealedInSubjectInitializer2(/*0*/ x: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Unit
 
 public sealed class Either {
-    internal constructor Either()
+    protected constructor Either()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/testsWithStdLib/annotations/jvmDefault/allCompatibility/specialization.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/testsWithStdLib/annotations/jvmDefault/allCompatibility/specialization.txt
index 64beffedaa0..514244d4f68 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/testsWithStdLib/annotations/jvmDefault/allCompatibility/specialization.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/testsWithStdLib/annotations/jvmDefault/allCompatibility/specialization.txt
@@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ private final class Outer {
 }
 
 public sealed class SealedSpecialized : Foo<kotlin.String> {
-    internal constructor SealedSpecialized()
+    protected constructor SealedSpecialized()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ val kotlin.String.prop: kotlin.String
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/testsWithStdLib/inference/performance/kt41644.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/testsWithStdLib/inference/performance/kt41644.txt
index 46c0ad5c342..fe0c53963a4 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/testsWithStdLib/inference/performance/kt41644.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/testsWithStdLib/inference/performance/kt41644.txt
@@ -3,13 +3,13 @@ package
 public fun </*0*/ A, /*1*/ DA : DataType<A>, /*2*/ B, /*3*/ DB : DataType<B>, /*4*/ C, /*5*/ DC : DataType<C>, /*6*/ D, /*7*/ DD : DataType<D>, /*8*/ E, /*9*/ DE : DataType<E>, /*10*/ F, /*11*/ DF : DataType<F>, /*12*/ G, /*13*/ DG : DataType<G>, /*14*/ H, /*15*/ DH : DataType<H>> either8(/*0*/ firstName: kotlin.String, /*1*/ firstType: DA, /*2*/ secondName: kotlin.String, /*3*/ secondType: DB, /*4*/ thirdName: kotlin.String, /*5*/ thirdType: DC, /*6*/ fourthName: kotlin.String, /*7*/ fourthType: DD, /*8*/ fifthName: kotlin.String, /*9*/ fifthType: DE, /*10*/ sixthName: kotlin.String, /*11*/ sixthType: DF, /*12*/ seventhName: kotlin.String, /*13*/ seventhType: DG, /*14*/ eighthName: kotlin.String, /*15*/ eighthType: DH): DataType.NotNull.Partial<Either8<A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H>>
 
 public sealed class DataType</*0*/ T> {
-    internal constructor DataType</*0*/ T>()
+    protected constructor DataType</*0*/ T>()
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
 
     public sealed class NotNull</*0*/ T> : DataType<T> {
-        internal constructor NotNull</*0*/ T>()
+        protected constructor NotNull</*0*/ T>()
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun hashCode(): kotlin.Int
         public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun toString(): kotlin.String
diff --git a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/testsWithStdLib/inference/performance/kt42195.txt b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/testsWithStdLib/inference/performance/kt42195.txt
index f6134461709..6720fe7c2d1 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/diagnostics/testsWithStdLib/inference/performance/kt42195.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/diagnostics/testsWithStdLib/inference/performance/kt42195.txt
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ package
 public val tree: Tree.Inner<kotlin.Int, kotlin.String, kotlin.Unit, kotlin.Int>
 
 public sealed class Tree</*0*/ TIndex, /*1*/ out TCommon, /*2*/ out TInner, /*3*/ out TLeaf> {
-    internal constructor Tree</*0*/ TIndex, /*1*/ out TCommon, /*2*/ out TInner, /*3*/ out TLeaf>()
+    protected constructor Tree</*0*/ TIndex, /*1*/ out TCommon, /*2*/ out TInner, /*3*/ out TLeaf>()
     public abstract val children: kotlin.collections.Map<TIndex, Tree<TIndex, TCommon, TInner, TLeaf>>
     public abstract val value: TCommon
     public open override /*1*/ /*fake_override*/ fun equals(/*0*/ other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean
diff --git a/compiler/testData/ir/irText/classes/sealedClasses.kt.txt b/compiler/testData/ir/irText/classes/sealedClasses.kt.txt
index bd162164659..a902da26199 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/ir/irText/classes/sealedClasses.kt.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/ir/irText/classes/sealedClasses.kt.txt
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 sealed class Expr {
-  internal constructor() /* primary */ {
+  protected constructor() /* primary */ {
     super/*Any*/()
     /* <init>() */
 
diff --git a/compiler/testData/ir/irText/classes/sealedClasses.txt b/compiler/testData/ir/irText/classes/sealedClasses.txt
index f8234fa55d8..b4d45345d9a 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/ir/irText/classes/sealedClasses.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/ir/irText/classes/sealedClasses.txt
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 FILE fqName:<root> fileName:/sealedClasses.kt
   CLASS CLASS name:Expr modality:SEALED visibility:public superTypes:[kotlin.Any]
     $this: VALUE_PARAMETER INSTANCE_RECEIVER name:<this> type:<root>.Expr
-    CONSTRUCTOR visibility:internal <> () returnType:<root>.Expr [primary]
+    CONSTRUCTOR visibility:protected <> () returnType:<root>.Expr [primary]
       BLOCK_BODY
         DELEGATING_CONSTRUCTOR_CALL 'public constructor <init> () [primary] declared in kotlin.Any'
         INSTANCE_INITIALIZER_CALL classDescriptor='CLASS CLASS name:Expr modality:SEALED visibility:public superTypes:[kotlin.Any]'
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ FILE fqName:<root> fileName:/sealedClasses.kt
       CONSTRUCTOR visibility:public <> (number:kotlin.Double) returnType:<root>.Expr.Const [primary]
         VALUE_PARAMETER name:number index:0 type:kotlin.Double
         BLOCK_BODY
-          DELEGATING_CONSTRUCTOR_CALL 'internal constructor <init> () [primary] declared in <root>.Expr'
+          DELEGATING_CONSTRUCTOR_CALL 'protected constructor <init> () [primary] declared in <root>.Expr'
           INSTANCE_INITIALIZER_CALL classDescriptor='CLASS CLASS name:Const modality:FINAL visibility:public superTypes:[<root>.Expr]'
       PROPERTY name:number visibility:public modality:FINAL [val]
         FIELD PROPERTY_BACKING_FIELD name:number type:kotlin.Double visibility:private [final]
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ FILE fqName:<root> fileName:/sealedClasses.kt
         VALUE_PARAMETER name:e1 index:0 type:<root>.Expr
         VALUE_PARAMETER name:e2 index:1 type:<root>.Expr
         BLOCK_BODY
-          DELEGATING_CONSTRUCTOR_CALL 'internal constructor <init> () [primary] declared in <root>.Expr'
+          DELEGATING_CONSTRUCTOR_CALL 'protected constructor <init> () [primary] declared in <root>.Expr'
           INSTANCE_INITIALIZER_CALL classDescriptor='CLASS CLASS name:Sum modality:FINAL visibility:public superTypes:[<root>.Expr]'
       PROPERTY name:e1 visibility:public modality:FINAL [val]
         FIELD PROPERTY_BACKING_FIELD name:e1 type:<root>.Expr visibility:private [final]
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ FILE fqName:<root> fileName:/sealedClasses.kt
       $this: VALUE_PARAMETER INSTANCE_RECEIVER name:<this> type:<root>.Expr.NotANumber
       CONSTRUCTOR visibility:private <> () returnType:<root>.Expr.NotANumber [primary]
         BLOCK_BODY
-          DELEGATING_CONSTRUCTOR_CALL 'internal constructor <init> () [primary] declared in <root>.Expr'
+          DELEGATING_CONSTRUCTOR_CALL 'protected constructor <init> () [primary] declared in <root>.Expr'
           INSTANCE_INITIALIZER_CALL classDescriptor='CLASS OBJECT name:NotANumber modality:FINAL visibility:public superTypes:[<root>.Expr]'
       FUN FAKE_OVERRIDE name:equals visibility:public modality:OPEN <> ($this:kotlin.Any, other:kotlin.Any?) returnType:kotlin.Boolean [fake_override,operator]
         overridden:
diff --git a/compiler/testData/ir/irText/declarations/multiplatform/expectedSealedClass.kt.txt b/compiler/testData/ir/irText/declarations/multiplatform/expectedSealedClass.kt.txt
index 8e4b78d0641..17913f80757 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/ir/irText/declarations/multiplatform/expectedSealedClass.kt.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/ir/irText/declarations/multiplatform/expectedSealedClass.kt.txt
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 expect sealed class Ops {
-  internal expect constructor() /* primary */
+  protected expect constructor() /* primary */
 
 }
 
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ expect class Add : Ops {
 }
 
 sealed class Ops {
-  internal constructor() /* primary */ {
+  protected constructor() /* primary */ {
     super/*Any*/()
     /* <init>() */
 
diff --git a/compiler/testData/ir/irText/declarations/multiplatform/expectedSealedClass.txt b/compiler/testData/ir/irText/declarations/multiplatform/expectedSealedClass.txt
index 5d65736964f..6fc0053b071 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/ir/irText/declarations/multiplatform/expectedSealedClass.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/ir/irText/declarations/multiplatform/expectedSealedClass.txt
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 FILE fqName:<root> fileName:/expectedSealedClass.kt
   CLASS CLASS name:Ops modality:SEALED visibility:public [expect] superTypes:[kotlin.Any]
     $this: VALUE_PARAMETER INSTANCE_RECEIVER name:<this> type:<root>.Ops
-    CONSTRUCTOR visibility:internal <> () returnType:<root>.Ops [primary,expect]
+    CONSTRUCTOR visibility:protected <> () returnType:<root>.Ops [primary,expect]
     FUN FAKE_OVERRIDE name:equals visibility:public modality:OPEN <> ($this:kotlin.Any, other:kotlin.Any?) returnType:kotlin.Boolean [fake_override,operator]
       overridden:
         public open fun equals (other: kotlin.Any?): kotlin.Boolean [operator] declared in kotlin.Any
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ FILE fqName:<root> fileName:/expectedSealedClass.kt
       $this: VALUE_PARAMETER name:<this> type:kotlin.Any
   CLASS CLASS name:Ops modality:SEALED visibility:public superTypes:[kotlin.Any]
     $this: VALUE_PARAMETER INSTANCE_RECEIVER name:<this> type:<root>.Ops
-    CONSTRUCTOR visibility:internal <> () returnType:<root>.Ops [primary]
+    CONSTRUCTOR visibility:protected <> () returnType:<root>.Ops [primary]
       BLOCK_BODY
         DELEGATING_CONSTRUCTOR_CALL 'public constructor <init> () [primary] declared in kotlin.Any'
         INSTANCE_INITIALIZER_CALL classDescriptor='CLASS CLASS name:Ops modality:SEALED visibility:public superTypes:[kotlin.Any]'
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ FILE fqName:<root> fileName:/expectedSealedClass.kt
     $this: VALUE_PARAMETER INSTANCE_RECEIVER name:<this> type:<root>.Add
     CONSTRUCTOR visibility:public <> () returnType:<root>.Add [primary]
       BLOCK_BODY
-        DELEGATING_CONSTRUCTOR_CALL 'internal constructor <init> () [primary] declared in <root>.Ops'
+        DELEGATING_CONSTRUCTOR_CALL 'protected constructor <init> () [primary] declared in <root>.Ops'
         INSTANCE_INITIALIZER_CALL classDescriptor='CLASS CLASS name:Add modality:FINAL visibility:public superTypes:[<root>.Ops]'
     FUN FAKE_OVERRIDE name:equals visibility:public modality:OPEN <> ($this:kotlin.Any, other:kotlin.Any?) returnType:kotlin.Boolean [fake_override,operator]
       overridden:
diff --git a/compiler/testData/loadJava/compiledKotlin/annotations/classMembers/HiddenConstructorWithInlineClassParameters.txt b/compiler/testData/loadJava/compiledKotlin/annotations/classMembers/HiddenConstructorWithInlineClassParameters.txt
index 50112e06d47..2bf9c168f9b 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/loadJava/compiledKotlin/annotations/classMembers/HiddenConstructorWithInlineClassParameters.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/loadJava/compiledKotlin/annotations/classMembers/HiddenConstructorWithInlineClassParameters.txt
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ public final annotation class Ann : kotlin.Annotation {
 }
 
 public sealed class Sealed {
-    /*primary*/ @test.Ann internal constructor Sealed(/*0*/ @test.Ann z: test.Z)
+    /*primary*/ @test.Ann protected constructor Sealed(/*0*/ @test.Ann z: test.Z)
     public final val z: test.Z
         public final fun <get-z>(): test.Z
 
diff --git a/compiler/testData/loadJava/compiledKotlin/class/SealedClass.txt b/compiler/testData/loadJava/compiledKotlin/class/SealedClass.txt
index af4e2a97b3e..a1a8bffe248 100644
--- a/compiler/testData/loadJava/compiledKotlin/class/SealedClass.txt
+++ b/compiler/testData/loadJava/compiledKotlin/class/SealedClass.txt
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ public final class Inheritor3 : test.SealedClass {
 }
 
 public sealed class SealedClass {
-    /*primary*/ internal constructor SealedClass()
+    /*primary*/ protected constructor SealedClass()
 
     public final class Inheritor1 : test.SealedClass {
         /*primary*/ public constructor Inheritor1()
diff --git a/compiler/tests-common-new/tests-gen/org/jetbrains/kotlin/test/runners/DiagnosticTestGenerated.java b/compiler/tests-common-new/tests-gen/org/jetbrains/kotlin/test/runners/DiagnosticTestGenerated.java
index 9ab80c8a85b..f0355b8a1ec 100644
--- a/compiler/tests-common-new/tests-gen/org/jetbrains/kotlin/test/runners/DiagnosticTestGenerated.java
+++ b/compiler/tests-common-new/tests-gen/org/jetbrains/kotlin/test/runners/DiagnosticTestGenerated.java
@@ -24487,6 +24487,12 @@ public class DiagnosticTestGenerated extends AbstractDiagnosticTest {
                 runTest("compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/kt44316.kt");
             }
 
+            @Test
+            @TestMetadata("kt44861.kt")
+            public void testKt44861() throws Exception {
+                runTest("compiler/testData/diagnostics/tests/sealed/kt44861.kt");
+            }
+
             @Test
             @TestMetadata("Local.kt")
             public void testLocal() throws Exception {
diff --git a/core/descriptors/src/org/jetbrains/kotlin/resolve/DescriptorUtils.java b/core/descriptors/src/org/jetbrains/kotlin/resolve/DescriptorUtils.java
index 51f6c92f8f2..effc64e6849 100644
--- a/core/descriptors/src/org/jetbrains/kotlin/resolve/DescriptorUtils.java
+++ b/core/descriptors/src/org/jetbrains/kotlin/resolve/DescriptorUtils.java
@@ -390,7 +390,7 @@ public class DescriptorUtils {
         }
         if (isSealedClass(classDescriptor)) {
             if (freedomForSealedInterfacesSupported) {
-                return DescriptorVisibilities.INTERNAL;
+                return DescriptorVisibilities.PROTECTED;
             } else {
                 return DescriptorVisibilities.PRIVATE;
             }
diff --git a/idea/testData/decompiler/stubBuilder/Sealed/Sealed.txt b/idea/testData/decompiler/stubBuilder/Sealed/Sealed.txt
index 97af5678c57..ba85febe4fc 100644
--- a/idea/testData/decompiler/stubBuilder/Sealed/Sealed.txt
+++ b/idea/testData/decompiler/stubBuilder/Sealed/Sealed.txt
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ PsiJetFileStubImpl[package=test]
   CLASS[fqName=test.Sealed, isEnumEntry=false, isInterface=false, isLocal=false, isTopLevel=true, name=Sealed, superNames=[]]
     MODIFIER_LIST[public sealed]
     PRIMARY_CONSTRUCTOR
-      MODIFIER_LIST[internal]
+      MODIFIER_LIST[protected]
       VALUE_PARAMETER_LIST
     CLASS_BODY
       CLASS[fqName=test.Sealed.Nested, isEnumEntry=false, isInterface=false, isLocal=false, isTopLevel=false, name=Nested, superNames=[Sealed]]
diff --git a/idea/testData/quickfix/addDataModifier/sealed.kt b/idea/testData/quickfix/addDataModifier/sealed.kt
index 9ed02042cc2..5e413353fb7 100644
--- a/idea/testData/quickfix/addDataModifier/sealed.kt
+++ b/idea/testData/quickfix/addDataModifier/sealed.kt
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@
 // ACTION: Create member function 'Foo.component2'
 // ACTION: Enable a trailing comma by default in the formatter
 // ACTION: Put arguments on separate lines
+// ERROR: Cannot access '<init>': it is protected in 'Foo'
 // ERROR: Destructuring declaration initializer of type Foo must have a 'component1()' function
 // ERROR: Destructuring declaration initializer of type Foo must have a 'component2()' function
 // ERROR: Sealed types cannot be instantiated
diff --git a/libraries/tools/kotlinp/testData/NestedClasses.txt b/libraries/tools/kotlinp/testData/NestedClasses.txt
index 0e604d1bc9e..ac02ec4c155 100644
--- a/libraries/tools/kotlinp/testData/NestedClasses.txt
+++ b/libraries/tools/kotlinp/testData/NestedClasses.txt
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ public final enum class A.D.E : kotlin/Enum<A.D.E> {
 public sealed class A.D.F : kotlin/Any {
 
   // signature: <init>()V
-  internal constructor()
+  protected constructor()
 
   // nested class: G