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: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Henry Hillman
Email: h.d.hillman@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, the protection of personal data in the online environment and the impact new technologies have on a number of industry sectors. 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;


• 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;


2. 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 infringements;


• 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.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching will be primarily face to face with some elements of online delivery. Seminars are discussion-based classes requiring preparation.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	12	8
Seminars	8	6
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	10	10
Wider reading (directed)	34	34
Preparation for seminars	16	12
Revision and preparation	20
Essay preparation		30
Total hours by term			0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

All students are required to submit one piece of compulsory coursework (a compulsory essay of not more than 10 pages formatted in accordance with the School of Law’s Assessed Work Rules submitted at the end of the spring term), choosing from a range of topics.

Formative assessment methods:

All students are invited to submit one piece of formative assessment in the form of a coursework plan (1,000 words) in the autumn term, choosing from a range of topic. All students will also receive oral feedback on their work and engagement during tutorials throughout the year. The Law & Tech Club will also run online (several times a year) offering students the opportunity to reflect on assessment preparation and gather useful materials and tips.  

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

See School Guide (Programme Assessment). Reassessment is by written assignment with marks for any passed element being carried forward (subject to the operation of the flexible assessment scheme described above).

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 29 November 2022