Data is valuable! How much data is it okay to collect, and how long do you keep the collected data for? How do you balance data collection needs with the right to individual privacy? What about algorithmic bias? How do you ensure that your algorithms do not produce results that favour certain groups over others? How do we navigate the complexities of intellectual property rights and fair and ethical use of digital content? As computing professionals, these are examples of the variety of ethical dilemmas we face in the work we do.
Computing law plays a crucial role in protecting data, ensuring ethical practices, and maintaining trust in the digital age. Through active seminar discussions, you will explore the legal, ethical, and professional issues that arise in the field. You’ll learn about legal frameworks and the laws related to data privacy, intellectual property rights, and cybercrime and be equipped to make informed, ethical decisions in your computing career.
Total Contact Hours (Lectures, Seminars) 32
Essay (1,500 words) worth 25%.
Group presentation (15 mins) worth 25%.
Group project report (3,000 words) worth 50%.
Reassessment Method: Like-for-like Including composite form of reassessment for failed components – written essay (2,000-words)
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
Interpret and analyse how relevant laws and regulations related to data privacy, intellectual property rights, and cybercrime can be applied to various computing scenarios.
Critically evaluate ethical dilemmas in computing and propose well-reasoned solutions.
Critically assess the impact of data privacy legislation on institutional activities and explain the impact of computer law on IT operations.
Analyse and explain professional codes of conduct and ethical guidelines as they apply to computing practice.
Analyse the legal frameworks and ethical considerations surrounding the development and deployment of artificial intelligence in computing.
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