Law & Technology – Prof. Michael Birnhack

The law regulates, or attempts to regulat information flows in various ways. When we commodify it, it is intellectual property. When the government or others limit the flow, it is a matter of freedom of expression. When we wish to control the data about ourselves, it is a matter of privacy. The seminar will discuss various issues related to the complex intersection of law and information technology. We will not discuss IP, which is discussed in other courses. We will focus on issues such as freedom of speech, the rise of new intermediaries, ISP liability, privacy and data protection. The seminar has two goals. First, to better understand the relationship between law and technology by exploring several case studies, on the topics mentioned above. Second, to practice academic legal research and writing. We shall meet for 12 classes during the fall semester, each of 2 hours and 30 minutes (with a break). Students will be required to submit a one page proposal within a month. Towards the end of the term students will present their research.

Grade: Active participation and presentation of work: 20%, Final Paper: 80%.

הסמינר מזכה ב-4 ש"ס.