The course combines lectures and interactive case studies to show how national and international law respond to the challenges of the information society. It gives students a solid understanding of key legal acts related to data processing, privacy, and the security of information systems, while encouraging them to think critically about the ethical and social aspects of digital transformation.
After completing the course, students will be able to identify legal risks in digital environments, find relevant regulations, and apply basic compliance principles in their professional work. They will also develop the ability to follow legal and technological changes — an essential skill in the fast-changing world of IT.
By combining law, policy, and practice, Legal Aspects of Computer Science prepares future IT professionals to act responsibly and knowledgeably in the global digital ecosystem.
Legal Aspects of Computer Science
Section 1: Fundamental Principles of Law (Modules 1–4)
1.1 Introduction to Law and Technology – The relationship between legal systems and digital innovation; key legal concepts relevant to IT.
1.2 Sources of Cyber Law – International, regional, and national frameworks governing cyberspace.
1.3 International Law and Digital Sovereignty – The role of international law in cyberspace; jurisdiction, sovereignty, and responsibility.
1.4 National Legal Frameworks – Comparative approaches to cyber regulation: EU, U.S., and selected Asian jurisdictions.
Section 2: ISP Liability (Modules 5–7)
2.1 Legal Status of Internet Service Providers – Definitions, obligations, and the evolution of intermediary roles.
2.2 Intermediary Liability Regimes – Safe harbour principles, notice-and-takedown procedures, and emerging platform regulation.
2.3 Cybercrime and ISP Accountability – The Budapest Convention, content moderation, and the limits of platform responsibility.
Section 3: Privacy and Data Protection (Modules 8–11)
3.1 Foundations of Data Protection Law – The right to privacy and data protection principles.
3.2 The GDPR Framework – Core provisions, enforcement mechanisms, and international data transfers.
3.3 Global Data Protection Regimes – Comparative analysis: U.S., EU, and Asian models.
3.4 Balancing Privacy and Security – Ethical dilemmas in surveillance, encryption, and cybersecurity policy.
Section 4: DNS Abuse and Domain Names (Modules 12–15)
4.1 The Domain Name System: Legal and Technical Overview – Understanding DNS architecture and its governance.
4.2 Domain Name Regulation and Dispute Resolution – ICANN policies, the UDRP system, and intellectual property issues.
4.3 DNS Abuse and Online Harms – Phishing, malware, and the role of registrars in mitigation.
4.4 Future Challenges in DNS Governance – Decentralization, new gTLDs, and public policy implications.
More info available on the dedicated USOS page.
