LW3TEC-Technology, Privacy and Internet Regulation

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Christine Riefa
Email: c.j.a.riefa@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Dr Kyriaki Noussia
Email: k.p.noussia@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module explores the role of law in regulating technology, privacy and cyberspace.

Aims:

This module provides students with an understanding of the challenges of regulating developing technologies and cyberspace, with a particular focus on issues relating to privacy, liberty, freedom of expression and the protection of personal data in the online environment. The module examines regulatory theory in the context of a borderless online environment, taking a domestic, international and comparative perspective to examine specific legal problems that have arisen or been driven by technological development. The module will interrogate:

• The nature of privacy, freedom of expression and theories of regulation as applied to developing technology and the internet;


• Privacy protection, data protection and cross-border data flows;


• Liability of internet platforms and intermediaries for the crimes and infringements committed by internet users;


• Social networks, platform economics and regulating surveillance capitalism; and


• Contracts, choice of law, choice of jurisdiction and conflict of law in the online world.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key legal issues concerning new technologies, data and information privacy, and the internet and apply this to  critically evaluate current regulatory issues in these fields;

Critically appraise sources and research material on differing regulatory theory in technology, privacy and cyberspace bas ed on emerging issues in order to formulate coherent arguments that tackle the problems posed. 

Additional outcomes:

In addition to those listed in the School’s ‘core skills statement’, the module will encourage the development of:

 

1. Research and technology skills in preparing for and completing the seminars and assessments;


2. High-level oral communication skills developed through reflective class discussion.

Outline content:

The module examines regulatory theory in the context of a borderless online environment, taking a domestic, international and comparative perspective to examine specific legal problems that have arisen or been driven by technological development. In doing so, the module will cover emerging challenges relating to technology, privacy and cyberspace, such as:

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning;


• Big data and the internet of things;
• Blockchain, cryptocurrencies and financial regulation;


• Deepfakes, fake news and using technology to monitor speech;


• Online cross-border copyright infringement;


• GDPR, privacy law and the right of erasure;


• Network neutrality;


• Online freedom of expression and censorship;


• Online defamation and intermediary liability;


• Smart contracts and dispute resolution solutions; and


• Regulation and responsibility for self-driving vehicles.