This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module builds on the understanding developed in 'LW641Privacy, Data Protection and Cybersecurity Law', which introduces students to the key concepts and issues in the regulatory framework governing including privacy, data protection, and developments in cyber-crime and cyber security. The module promotes in depth, critical enquiry and insight in the subject area using current issues and case studies as a platform for developing specialist knowledge. The module adopts a research led approach engaging students in more tightly focussed study of emerging current issues in the area of data and cyber law than is possible in LW641. The topics treated each year will be subject to annual revision to meet and engage with current issues in the areas of data protection and cyber law.
These topics will take the form of several case studies during the course of the term and will cover such issues as:
• Changes to the use and understanding of privacy.
• Emerging issues in data protection – how do we use of data and what can we consent to?
• For example - tracking apps and health data
• International developments in the protection of data.
• Ethical issues in AI and machine learning
• Cyber law – issues in regulating the internet
• Understanding cyber-crime – prosecuting cyber enabled and cyber dependent crime
The choice of specific case studies in the module will be made annually by colleagues involved in delivery of the module, based on current cases, issues and research projects.
Contact Hours: 20
Private Study Hours: 130
Total Study Hours: 150
All LSSJ undergraduate law, SSPSSR, and Journalism courses.
Main Assessment Methods
Assessment Pattern A – 100% coursework:
Case Study 1 – 2500 words (50%)
Case Study 2 – 2500 words (50%)
Assessment Pattern B – 100% dissertation: between 5,000-6,000 words
Reassessment methods
Like-for-like
• Daniel J Solove, 2008, Understanding Privacy, (Harvard University Press, Cambridge. Mass.)
• Andrew Murray, 2019, Information Technology Law: Law and Society. (Oxford University Press).
• Ian J Lloyd, 2020, Information Technology Law. (Oxford University Press).
• Paul Gibbons, 2019. The Freedom of Information Officer's Handbook (Facet Publishers).
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a detailed and well developed understanding of the policies, debates and legal doctrines associated with case studies in emerging areas of data protection, information technology and cyber law.
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of recent developments in areas of law studied, such as EU and UK data protection, e-privacy, Information Commissioner's Office opinions and rulings, and international data protection regulations (e.g. EU, US, Commonwealth), cyber law and the internet of things.
3. Undertake an in-depth case study analysis of emerging issues in privacy, data protection, e-surveillance, cyber law.
4. Make sophisticated arguments in relation to the case studies undertaken in those areas.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Identify, understand, and evaluate complex legal and non-legal policy materials.
2. Critically challenge received understandings and conclusions.
3. Present complex legal and policy ideas and formulate sustained and persuasive arguments.
4. Undertake research, writing, and problem solving as it pertains to the analysis of statutes, legal cases and rulings, policies, and in the construction of legal, philosophical, and policy-based arguments.
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