LFU:online

• Students know selected legal rules that apply to the internet and the computational processing of data.
• They are aware of current developments in the law and policy relating to digital technologies.
• They are able to draw on relevant information contained in legislation, policy instruments and academic literature.
• They are able to develop critical arguments on legal issues raised by the use of digital technologies and communicate them.

This course examines risks and opportunities of digital technologies from a legal perspective.

We will examine a selection of legal rules that apply to the internet and the computational processing of data. The analysis will include relevant legislation, court decisions and policy instruments. Moreover, we will identify gaps in the existing legal framework and reflect on potential regulatory reforms.

The focus of the course will be on the law of the European Union that regulates the use of digital technologies.

Indicative content

• Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence: What does the European Union do to ensure that Artificial Intelligence is developed and used in a way that complies with legal rules and ethical values? We will examine the EU's new AI Act.
• Regulation of digital platforms: Which legal rules apply to digital platforms such as Uber, AirBnB or Youtube and to services offered online by businesses in the EU?
• Data protection: Which rules have to be observed when personal data are processed? What does the (in)famous General Data Protection really say?
• Algorithmic decisions: To what extent does EU equality law protect us from algorithmic bias, i.e. from algorithms that discriminate on the basis of gender, age, ethnicity or sexual orientation? Are we protected from decisions that are based solely on automated processing of our data?
• Illegal and harmful online content: Which legal rules protect us from hate speech, fake news and terrorist propaganda on online platforms?

Short lectures combined with interactive exercises (individual, in pairs and in groups); student presentations. 

Continuous assessment (written and oral).

All readings will be provided via OLAT.

No prerequisites. This course is addressed to students who have not studied law before.

This course is for all bachelor, master and magister students.

The acceptance is based on prioritised randomisation. Active students of Complementary Subject Area Digital Science get precedence.