Digitalization, New Technologies, AI and Law, Second Cycle, 15 credits

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student shall be able to:

• identify and independently analyze on how the internet, digitalisation, automation and technologies such as peer-to-peer technologies and artificial intelligence relate to law and its general principles,
• explain the fundamentals of the European and international legal frameworks that specifically address digital transformation, and identify and independently analyze the interplay between algorithms and the law, of its implications, possibilities, and limitations,
• independently analyze and discuss legal and ethical aspects of digitalisation, including the use of AI in the legal practice,
• explain and independently analyze the interplay between technology, digitalisation and law, and independently analyze and discuss fundamental principles as well as ethical reasoning in the area,
• critically evaluate phenomena such as social media and discuss them from a legal perspective, and
• examine and reflect in depth on the legal and ethical issues affecting the production and use of the new technologies and critically discuss the legal issues raised by the online distribution of digital content and services.

Content

Changes in technology produce changes in society. These in turn are bound to the practice and theory of law. Particular attention is dedicated in the course to the impact of new technologies on the legal profession and to the legal issues raised by digital transformation, automation, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy. Specific attention will also be paid to the digital delivery of content through non-traditional models such as peer-to-peer technologies, and their impact on business and legal practice.

The course covers the most important European and international legal frameworks in the information technology and media sectors.

Examinations and grades

New Technologies and Legal Issues 1, 7 credits (Code: A018)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

New Technologies and Legal Issues 2, 5 credits (Code: A019)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

New Technologies and Legal Issues 3, 3 credits (Code: A020)
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

In accordance with university regulations on grading systems for first and second-cycle courses and study programmes (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades is to be used: fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). For courses included in an international master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the A to F grading scale is to be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by them, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds for doing so.

The grades used on this course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Comments on grades

In order to obtain the final course grade Sufficient (E) on the entire course, the grade Pass (G) on the examination A020, and at least the grade Sufficient (E) for both examinations A018 and A019 are required. The final course grade on the entire course will be a weighted average of the grades for the examinations A018 and A019. The grades of the examination forms given according to U - G grading scale is not included in the weighting of the final course grade.

Modes of assessment

New Technologies and Legal Issues 1, 7 credits (Code: A018)
Paper for submission.
If a student does not achieve an approved grade, but with a limited effort is deemed to be able to reach it, the student may complete in accordance with the examiner’s instructions. The completion shall be made within five working days from the time the student is assigned the instructions.

New Technologies and Legal Issues 2, 5 credits (Code: A019)
Continuous examination.
If a student does not achieve an approved grade, but with a limited effort is deemed to be able to reach it, the student may complete in accordance with the examiner’s instructions. The completion shall be made within five working days from the time the student is assigned the instructions.

New Technologies and Legal Issues 3, 3 credits (Code: A020)
Paper for submission.
If a student does not achieve an approved grade, but with a limited effort is deemed to be able to reach it, the student may complete in accordance with the examiner’s instructions. The completion shall be made within five working days from the time the student is assigned the instructions.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other modes of assessment.

As a rule, assessment and examinations are to be done in accordance with the most recent version of the course syllabus. If a course has undergone significant changes and the university is of the opinion that a transitional provision is required, such a provision must be evident from the most recent version of the course syllabus.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

180 credits at the first level out of which 90 credits with increasing depth within law. Alternatively, 180 credits at the first level of which 90 credits with increasing depth within media and communication studies. Alternatively, 180 credits at the first level in a Law Programme. Additional requirements: English Course 6/English Course B.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

Ashley, Kevin D
Artificial Intelligence and Legal Analytics. New Tools for Law Practice in the Digital Age
Cambridge University Press

Murray, Andrew
Information Technology Law: The Law and Society
Oxford Publisher

Keller, Perry
European and International Media Law, Liberal Democracy, Trade, and the New Media,
Oxford Publisher

Pihlajarinne, Taina & Alén-Savikko, Anette (eds.)
Artificial Intelligence and the Media: Reconsidering Rights and Responsibilities
Edward Elgar Publishing

Additions and Comments on the Reading List

Always the latest edition of the books on the reading list is used.

Additional materials of approximately 500 pages, such as articles, are also part of the required reading.