Prospectus

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Privacy and Data Protection

Course
2023-2024

Admission requirements

N/A

Description

Privacy may be the most mentioned and debated topic in relation to new technologies. An emerging body of academic work analyses how digital technologies have an impact on privacy and related values, such as autonomy, dignity, accountability and transparency. By studying the theoretical framework of privacy and data protection laws vis-à-vis the practical implications of the application of these, this course provides in-depth knowledge of how the fundamental right to privacy and to personal data protection are influenced by technological, social, and economic developments.

This course will focus on the intricate difficulties of regulating privacy and data protection rights in the era of AI, Big Data and online platforms. What do these rights entail and how is technology changing them? How are they important, and to what extent can they still be adequately guaranteed through law or other regulatory instruments? How are law and policy in these areas developing and how effective will they be? Special attention will be paid to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the debate about new instruments and concepts developed in that context. The course will address, e.g., the notion of personal data, the ‘right-to-be-forgotten’, ‘data-portability requirements’, third-country data transfers, and restrictions on automated profiling. The course will discuss the toolds of privacy or data protection impact assessments (PIA/DPIA) and ‘privacy by design and by default’.

Course objectives

Objectives of the course

  • This course aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge on privacy and data protection law within the EU and skills to apply this legal knowledge in different scenarios.

Achievement levels
The following achievement levels apply with regard to the course:

  • Describe and explain the laws, regulations, and relevant institutions in the domain of EU privacy and data protection law in a national, European and international context.

  • Apply these laws and regulations in practical examples, especially in the digital terchnology world

  • Evaluate the impact of international laws and regulations in the domain of privacy and data protection law.

  • Identify how to prevent violations of privacy and related fundamental rights online

  • Balance the interests protected by privacy and data protection law against other competing personal and societal interests.

  • Anticipate future challenges for privacy and data protection in the digital world

Timetable

Check MyTimetable.

Mode of instruction

Lectures

  • Number of (3 hour) lectures: 6

  • Names of lecturers: Dr. G. Malgieri, Prof.mr.dr. G.J. Zwenne, Prof.mr.dr.ir. B.H.M. Custers, A.M. Sears, guest lecturers

  • Required preparation by students: required readings, assignments

  • Interactive lectures for which registration is required (in MyStudymap/Usis all interactive lectures are mentioned as working groups)

  • Attendance on all the dates is not mandatory but each session contains essential information to help you prepare for the final exam

Assessment method

Examination form(s)

  • Written exam (3 hours)

Areas to be tested within the exam
The examination syllabus consists of the required reading (literature) for the course, the course information guide and the subjects taught in the lectures, the seminars and all other instructions which are part of the course.

Regulation retake passed exams
In this course it is possible to retake an exam that has been passed (cf. art. 4.1.8.1 and further of the Course and Examination Regulations) on the condition that this is course is not part of the minor. Students who have passed the exam may retake the final written assessment (test) of the course if they meet certain requirements. To retake a passed exam, students need to ask the Student Administration Office (OIC) for permission. For more information, go to 'course and exam enrollment' > 'permission for retaking a passed exam' on the student website.

Reading list

The required readings will be published on Brightspace. All are available online, with the exception of ‘European Data Protection: Law and Practice’ (edited by Eduardo Ustaran, published by IAPP, 2018); only a few chapters of this book are required readings, and there is a copy or two in the library.

Registration

Registration for courses and exams takes place via MyStudymap. If you do not have access to MyStudymap (guest students), look here (under the Law-tab) for more information on the registration procedure in your situation.

Contact

Institution/division

  • Institute: Metajuridica

  • Department: eLaw

  • Telephone number secretary: 071- 527 8838

  • Email: elaw@law.leidenuniv.nl

Remarks

Minor students have priority to follow the course, but they are responsible for the registration in MyStudymap/uSis. If minor students do not register on time, this priority will lapse.