LAW5480 · Internet law and regulation

Overview

This unit will introduce you over the term to the legal issues raised by the internet. The unit will begin with a discussion of the various schools of thought about the application of law to the internet. It will also familiarise you with the history of communications legislation in Australia, as well as essential case law. You will be made familiar with the dual role of communications network users as both consumers and citizens and the economic and human rights arguments pertinent to each category. This will prepare you for later comparative analysis of the case law and legislation of the United Kingdom, European Union, as well as US legislation and case law. The relevant domestic, European and international laws will be scrutinised so that you will gain an understanding of the major regulatory regimes applicable to the internet. Topics may include the platform liability duty of care, the under-16 social media ban and regulatory role of the E-safety Commissioner, and network neutrality.

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate high-level understanding in relation to a range of theories, challenges and legal mechanisms used to regulate the internet.
2. Critically analyse the distinct role of cyberlaw in a range of legal contexts and frameworks, as it affects the use of the internet in both Australian and international contexts.
3. Identify, research and synthesise information from a range of sources in order to make informed commentary on the legal and legislative mechanisms in place for regulating the internet in Australian and international contexts.
4. Formulate convincing evaluations and judgement on the recent expansion of cyber law and/or its interaction with other internet laws in both Australian and international contexts.
5. Work collaboratively to investigate and persuasively present findings on legal problems related to legal regulation of the internet.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit typically comprises of a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study applicable to a 6 credit point unit. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning, and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.