2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

LAW5334M Cyberlaw: Regulation of Cyberspace

15 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Professor Subhajit Basu
Email: S.Basu@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Module replaces

LAW5333M Cyberlaw: Law and the Regulation of the Information Society

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module critically explores the impact of the internet, AI, and cyberspace on our evolving 'information society'. It examines the pivotal role of technology in shaping information creation, sharing, and regulation worldwide. Addressing the challenges of state jurisdiction in a borderless digital realm, the course provides a contemporary analysis of policy and regulatory issues, underscoring the dynamic interplay between technology, society, and governance in the age of networked technologies.

Objectives

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the legal complexities associated with the digital realm, specifically focusing on the challenges presented by cyberspace. The primary aim is to comprehensively understand how technology interacts with and influences modern legal frameworks, particularly within the Information Society. Learning activities are structured to enable students to grasp the evolving strategies and perspectives necessary for legal professionals in this digital era. These include understanding the intersection of law with technology, recognising the need for legal adaptation to cyberspace developments, and appreciating the impact of the information revolution on regulatory practices, encompassing aspects of public and private law, national and international, as well as state law and self-regulation. Through a combination of theoretical and practical exercises, the module encourages students to critically evaluate legal arguments in the context of established laws and judicial decisions, fostering the development of analytical skills essential for navigating the ever-changing landscape of law in the digital age.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. In-depth Analysis of Cyber Law Principles: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the legal principles governing cyberspace, including digital privacy, data protection, and the nuances of cyber jurisdiction.
2. Application of Law in Digital Contexts: Critically evaluate how national and international laws apply to digital activities, emphasising the unique challenges posed by the internet's borderless nature.
3. Balancing Cybersecurity and Rights: Critically assess the intersection of cybersecurity and individual rights, exploring the complex roles of various actors in cyberspace governance.
4. Emerging Technologies and Legal Evolution: Analyse the impact of cutting-edge technologies like AI and blockchain on cyberspace law and explore both the opportunities and challenges they present.
5. Effectiveness of Self-regulation: Examine the role and effectiveness of self-regulation in cyberspace, focusing on online content moderation, digital rights management, and industry standards.
6. Digital Transformation of Legal Concepts: Explore how digital technology reshapes traditional legal concepts and practices, focusing on digital identity, virtual assets, and online conduct.
7. Human Rights in Cyberspace: Thoughtfully engage with the critical balance between human rights and cyberspace regulation, particularly regarding freedom of expression, privacy, and information access, aiming to contribute to a fair and effective legal framework for the digital world.

Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Critical analysis of Cyberspace Regulation: Develop a deep understanding and critical thinking about regulating cyberspace's foundations and modern challenges, focusing on the interactions between digital users and technology developers.
2. Articulating Legal Concepts in Cyberspace: Enhance digital presentation skills by explaining complex legal concepts, cases, and scholarship relating to regulating digital activities, user rights, and the legal frameworks that govern cyberspace.
3. Digital Innovation and Problem-Solving: Cultivate the ability to use digital tools creatively to present and solve policy issues in cyberspace, including user-generated content and new technologies.
4. Comprehensive Grasp of Legal Technology and Digital Services: Achieve mastery in reading and summarising technical and legal language involving emerging digital technologies and services and their impact on traditional regulatory principles, encompassing rights like data protection, freedom of expression, and privacy.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Seminar	5	1.50	7.50
Private study hours			131.50
Total Contact hours			18.50
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

A formal formative assessment opportunity will be provided, which is specifically pedagogically aligned to the summative assessment task. As part of this, each student will receive individual feedback designed to support the development of knowledge and skills that will be later assessed in the summative assessment.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Coursework	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 27/03/2024

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