Law School Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title PRIVACY, SURVEILLANCE AND THE LAW OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Code LAW341
Coordinator Mr J Savirimuthu
Law
Joseph.Savirimuthu@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To examine the logic and rationale of privacy and data protection (as set out in the UK, EU and other international instruments)

To assess the policy and practical significance of the Internet, social media and communication tools for regulation

To identify and critically appraise the potential of the Internet and new communication technologies to both undermine and enhance privacy values and norms


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Identify and discuss key privacy and data protection concepts, articulate their rationale and relevance within policy, commercial and political settings.

(LO2) Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of digital information and the practical implications of technological convergence for managing personal information and threats to privacy, particularly in the context of online social media networks and communication services.

(LO3) Explain the interaction of legal norms with the regulatory effects of IT and other non-legal instruments, such as sectoral codes of practice.

(LO4) Evaluate the key debates and assess the potential of the Internet and new communication technologies to both undermine and enhance privacy values and norms.

(S1) Describe and apply privacy and data protection concepts to actual or hypothetical situations in a reasoned, accurate and concise manner.

(S2) Formulate key issues from debates relating to surveillance and privacy threats arising within the context of the Internet and social media.

(S3) Organize issues, knowledge and argument in a way that is readily comprehensible to others.

(S4) Collate and synthesise primary and secondary sources obtained from both course materials and independent research.


Syllabus

 

Below an indicative syllabus of topics:

1. Technological convergence, social media and privacy

2. Regulatory logic of data protection law

3. Data protection rules

4. EU legislation on privacy and e-communications

5. Article 8 ECHR and human rights

6. Data protection in particular contexts: Facebook, Twitter and Social Media

7. Big data

8. Privacy, advertising and marketing


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description:
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: The lectures are designed to give you an insight into the rationale of privacy rules and key governance challenges posed by new technologies and social media. You will integrate these materials into your exploration of key issues and debates when reading around the subject, participating in seminars and engaging in 'out of class' reflection.

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description:
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: The seminars are designed to enable you to not only build on the foundations provided in lectures and but also to facilitate your ability to identify the governance challenges, address key issues and engage critically in debates. An integral part of the seminars is the provision of opportunities to seek clarification, demonstrate understanding and completion of reading and selected tasks and develop analytical skills in readiness for assessment.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 18

4

      1

23
Timetable (if known) 120 mins X 1 totaling 18
 
60 mins X 1 totaling 4
 
         
Private Study 127
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment 2 Essay or problem question 2500 words excluding the word count for the bibliography There is a resit opportunity. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2    85       
Assessment 1 One EMCQ exercise comprising 20 questions to be completed online There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Assessment Schedule (When) :Seme    15       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.

Other Staff Teaching on this Module

 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

 

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

LAW105 LAW OF CONTRACT; LAW107 CRIMINAL LAW (LEVEL 4) 

Co-requisite modules:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:

 

Additional Programme Information