Course Description
Privacy is probably the topic most mentioned and debated in relation to new technologies. An emerging body of academic work analyses how digital technologies impact on privacy and related values, such as autonomy, dignity, accountability and transparency. By studying the theoretical framework of privacy and data protection laws vis-à-vis the practical implications of the application of these, this course provides in-depth knowledge of how the right to privacy and the right to personal data protection are influenced by technological, social, and economic developments.
This course will focus on the intricate difficulties of regulating privacy and data protection rights in the era of Big Data and Online Social Networking. What do these rights entail and how is technology changing them? How are they important and can they still be adequately guaranteed through law or other regulatory instruments? How are law and policy in these areas developing and how effective will they be? Special attention will be paid to the proposed General Regulation on Data Protection and the debate about new instruments and concepts developed in that context. Concepts to be discussed are, e.g., the (im)possibilities of a ‘right-to-be-forgotten’, the proposed ‘data-portability requirements’ and restrictions on profiling. Tools to be discussed are privacy or data protection impact assessments (PIA/DPIA) and ‘privacy by design and by default’.
Course Requirement
Master Degree
Assessment Method
Active participation in class: preparing 20 subject questions per lecture (10%)
10-15 page paper on relevant subject (40%)
Written (or oral) exam (50%)