70227 - Information Technology and Law

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student: - acquires awareness of the existence of legal problems related to new technologies; - understands how to develop and use (as a professional or user) new technologies in compliance with laws and regulations; - is able to find qualified sources and autonomously interpret the current legislation applicable to his/her area of interest; - develops the ability to manage projects that involve legal knowledge; - interacts in a qualified manner with lawyers and legal experts.

Course contents

Introduction to the course
Regulation of Emerging Technologies. The Computer Science Profession and Law: Consulting, Software Development and Entrepreneurship

Internet of Things (IoT) and Data Protection
Traditional and digital media. Regulation of Digital Platforms. Socialnetwork. E-commerce. GDPR and ISO/IEC 27001.  Role of the DPO. Surveillance Technologies and Privacy.

Metaverse - Digital Twins
Regulations and the virtual world. Virtual Property and Intellectual Property Rights. Digital Identity. Ethical Issues.

Artificial Intelligence
European “AI act”. Algorithmic bias and the liability of automated decisions. Liability for Damage from Intelligent Agents. GenAI and risks. Robotics, AI and Law. Applications: Healthcare, Transportation, Military. Ethical issues. 

IT Governance
The Digital Administration Code and recent changes. Smart Contracts and Blockchain. Compliance regulations for technology companies. Patents and Copyright. Open source software. Database protection.

Cybercrime and Intelligence
Types of cybercrime. Social Engineering. Intelligence, cyber espionage e cyber terrorism. Digital forensics.

Case Studies: Analysis of Real Cases and discussion

Readings/Bibliography

The supporting teaching documentation will consist of the lecture slides and the handouts/papers provided by the teacher through the Virtual Learning Environment platform.

Book for non-attending students, in addition to the supporting teaching documentations:

• AA.VV. (2024) La regolazione europea della società digitale. Curatore: F. Pizzetti. Ed. Giappichelli

Recommended texts for possible further study:

• G. Finocchiaro, Intelligenza artificiale. Quali regole?, Zanichelli, Bologna, 2024
• A. Santosuosso, G. Sartor (2024). Decidere con l'IA. Intelligenze artificiali e naturali nel diritto, ed, Il Mulino
• A. Contaldo , F. Peluso (2022). Informatica forense e nuove tecnologie dell’informazione, PM edizioni

 

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons held by the teacher. Practical cases will be analyzed and exercises will be carried out during the lessons.
Teaching innovation strategy
Emphasis on learning-by-doing with a focus on practice. The student-centered model allows sessions with specific group work activities.
Teaching innovation methodology
In particular, the innovative training activity, which will also be developed through meetings with professionals in the sector and group work, will be based on two main methodologies (guided by the teacher): a) one based on investigation, which stimulates the student to formulate investigable questions, carry out useful actions to solve problems and understand the phenomena presented more deeply; b) one of group analysis, aimed at allowing individual students and groups to be more receptive to new ideas, evaluating different points of view, and to develop them in a creative and constructive way

Assessment methods

For attending students (at least 70%), the exam will be held in two parts:

• an intermediate test
• a final research work to be discussed

The grade will be expressed in thirtieths and will be the average of the two evaluations.

NON-attending students will have a single final test on the entire program and the textbook that will be indicated.

Teaching tools

Possible tools:

Digital presentations, videos, short webinars with external experts, publication of handouts, use of a forum for ongoing questions and clarifications, collaborative writing and communication.

Multimedia tools: Virtual, videoconferencing tool, Asynchronous communication and collaboration apps, Investigation and analysis tools

Office hours

See the website of Luisa Dall'Acqua