This module seeks to introduce students to the rationale, concepts and practice of Data Protection Law in the networked social media landscape.
The specific aims of this module are to:
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 digital 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.

(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.

Below an indicative syllabus of topics:

- Technological convergence, social media and privacy

- Regulatory logic of data protection law

- Data protection rules

- EU legislation on privacy and e-communications

- Article 8 ECHR and human rights

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

- Big data

- Privacy, advertising and marketing

The Learning and Teaching Strategy has been guided by the Curriculum 2021 Framework, Attributes and Hallmarks. This includes the emphasis placed on the value of developing module content informed by current and cutting-edge research in the relevant subject area (s) and needs of professionals in the business and commercial sector. Students will be provided with relevant knowledge of the application of data protection rules in the evolving social media environment, as well as equipping them with the skills necessary to enable them to demonstrate their ability to critically engage with current and emerging data protection issues encountered in the networked environment and diverse social media contexts.
Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: The lecture will equate to 2 hours per week over a 9 week duration. The lectures are designed to provide a context for gaining insight into the rules, concepts and themes associated with the regulation of p ersonal data in a networked and evolving social media environment. The lectures will be complemented by the use of discussion boards, and interactive exercises to facilitate the attainment of the module’s learning aims and outcomes as well acquisition of problem solving and legal skills.

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: There will 4 x 1 hour seminars every fortnight. 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 c ritically 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. Students will also be directed to key academic and general literature to further develop their knowledge and problem solving skills.

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.