Leader: Dr Moira Paterson

Offered

Not offered in 2008

Synopsis

This unit examines the various legal and policy issues relating to privacy and information security that arise in cyberspace. Students will be required to consider the range of technological and regulatory measures that are available, or required, to deal with the specific issues that arise in the context of this rapidly evolving communications and business medium. They will also be given the opportunity to fully explore the relevant technology, how the different privacy and security issues to which it gives rise interrelate and the application of the various regulatory mechanisms which have been designed to deal with these problems.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students should have an understanding of the impact of the internet on information and private space privacy and on the security issues which need to be resolved in the context of eCommerce and the mechanisms available to protect privacy and security in cyberspace, encompassing more specifically:

1. An understanding of the different facets of privacy, including the distinction between privacy, secrecy and confidentiality;
2. A detailed understanding of the mechanisms and methodologies used for surveillance, of the range of persons and entities that have an interest in such activities and of the potential impact on individuals;
3. An understanding of how privacy and security may be compromised on the internet and the legal and policy implications of privacy and security infringements
4. A detailed knowledge of privacy laws and their limitations as they operate in the online context;
5. A broad understanding of other laws which protect the privacy and security of personal information;
6. An awareness of the implications of the relevant international regulatory frameworks;
7. Further development of legal research and writing and legal argument skills by undertaking systematic research into legal policy, rules and procedures relating to the protection of personal information in cyberspace;
8. Further development of skills of presentation of legal concepts, rules and argument in an interactive seminar context.

Assessment

Research Assignment (5,250 words): 70%
Take home examination (2,250 words): 30%

Prerequisites

LAW7213 or equivalent unit or experience)