Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Legal and Ethical Aspects of New Technologies
Course Code
SZF_252
Branch of Science
International Rights; Law
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Law
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Marta Urbāne
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts
SZF, Kuldigas Street 9C, szf@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
The aim of the study course is to build students in-depth knowledge and analytical skills in the legal and ethical aspects of new technologies by providing the ability to identify and legally assess the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, data analysis, digital platforms, robotics and biotechnology in the field of fundamental rights, privacy, equality, market regulation and public safety in the context of international and European Union law. In the study course, students will develop the competence to independently analyse the legal framework and case law, to formulate conclusions in a reasoned manner and to propose legal solutions for academic and professional activities in a technologically complex legal environment.
Preliminary Knowledge
Introduction in law, EU law, International private and public law.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Describe the legal and ethical aspects of new technologies in the framework of international and European Union law.
Individual work and tests
Presentation: case study analysis • Online multiple choice test • Presentation: anlysis of scientific article • Exam • Simulation: legal modelling of a tech dispute with reflection • Case study
2.Explains the impact of artificial intelligence, data analysis, digital platforms, robotics and biotechnology on fundamental rights, privacy, the principle of equality, EU single market regulation and public safety.
Individual work and tests
Case study • Exam • Presentation: anlysis of scientific article • Online multiple choice test
3.Describes the main regulatory approaches in the field of new technologies at international and European Union level.
Individual work and tests
Online multiple choice test • Presentation: case study analysis • Presentation: anlysis of scientific article • Simulation: legal modelling of a tech dispute with reflection • Exam • Case study
4.Identify and explain the sources of law applicable to the regulation of new technologies and the hierarchy between them.
Individual work and tests
Case study • Presentation: anlysis of scientific article • Exam • Simulation: legal modelling of a tech dispute with reflection • Presentation: case study analysis • Online multiple choice test
5.Explains the importance of case-law in identifying and assessing the legal risks posed by new technologies.
Individual work and tests
Presentation: case study analysis • Simulation: legal modelling of a tech dispute with reflection • Exam • Case study
Skills
1.Identify legal issues and risks related to new technologies in specific situations.
Individual work and tests
Simulation: legal modelling of a tech dispute with reflection • Case study • Presentation: case study analysis • Online multiple choice test • Presentation: anlysis of scientific article • Exam
2.Analyse and interpret laws, regulations, court decisions and doctrine, applying them to technologically complex cases.
Individual work and tests
Exam • Presentation: case study analysis • Case study • Simulation: legal modelling of a tech dispute with reflection
3.Argue legal positions, formulate conclusions in a structured manner and prepare sound proposals for the improvement of the legal framework or its application.
Individual work and tests
Exam • Simulation: legal modelling of a tech dispute with reflection • Presentation: anlysis of scientific article • Case study
Competences
1.Make legally sound decisions independently in legal situations affected by technology, respecting fundamental rights, ethical principles and the public interest.
Individual work and tests
Exam • Case study • Simulation: legal modelling of a tech dispute with reflection
2.Apply acquired knowledge and skills in professional activities in the application of law, development of regulatory framework and legal advice in a technologically intensive environment.
Individual work and tests
Simulation: legal modelling of a tech dispute with reflection • Case study • Exam
Assessment
Individual work
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Title
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% from total grade
|
Grade
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|---|---|---|
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1.
Presentation: case study analysis |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Students independently select and analyse a significant court ruling in the field of new technologies, identify the relevant legal issues, the legal provisions applied and the reasoning used, and assess the role of the ruling in the development of rights and its impact on the future application of the regulation. |
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|
2.
Presentation: anlysis of scientific article |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Students independently select an academic publication in the field of new technology law and perform critical analysis thereof, evaluating the research question, theoretical framework, methodology used, reasoning logic and the role of conclusions in the development of legal science. |
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3.
Simulation: legal modelling of a tech dispute with reflection |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Students participate in a structured legal simulation modeling a dispute created by the new technologies. Students occupy the roles of parties to the proceedings, regulator or court, identify legal issues, apply the relevant regulatory framework and argue legal positions. After the simulation, students shall prepare a written reflection evaluating the reasoning used, the application of the legal provisions and the legal basis for the solutions adopted. |
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4.
Case study |
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-
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Students independently analyse the new technology-based case study, which includes a number of related legal issues. In the framework of the analysis, students identify relevant facts, determine the applicable legal framework in the context of international and European Union law, assess possible limitations on fundamental rights and argue for a legally sound solution by structuring their conclusions in writing. |
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Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Online multiple choice test |
10.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Students perform an online multiple choice test aimed at verifying understanding of the basic concepts, legal principles and regulatory framework in the field of new technologies discussed in the study course, as well as the ability to recognise the correct legal solution in typical situations. |
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2.
Exam |
30.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
A written exam with analytical questions and case tasks in which students demonstrate the ability to independently analyse legal situations created by new technologies and to correctly apply the acquired legal norms and principles. |
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Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Interaction between technology and law
Description
The topic analyses the impact of digital transformation on the legal system, legal sources and regulatory methods. It looks at how advances in technology change the professional role of a lawyer, the application of law and the approach of normative thinking. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Interaction between technology and law
Description
The topic analyses the impact of digital transformation on the legal system, legal sources and regulatory methods. It looks at how advances in technology change the professional role of a lawyer, the application of law and the approach of normative thinking. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Artificial intelligence and automated decision-making
Description
The theme focuses on the use of artificial intelligence in the public and private sectors. Responsibility sharing, transparency of decisions, clarification and protection of fundamental rights in cases of use of automated systems are analysed. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Artificial intelligence and automated decision-making
Description
The theme focuses on the use of artificial intelligence in the public and private sectors. Responsibility sharing, transparency of decisions, clarification and protection of fundamental rights in cases of use of automated systems are analysed. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Data law and privacy in the digital environment
Description
The theme covers personal data protection, the use of big data and surveillance practices in the digital environment. The emphasis has been on protecting privacy and individual autonomy in a tech-intensive society. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Data law and privacy in the digital environment
Description
The theme covers personal data protection, the use of big data and surveillance practices in the digital environment. The emphasis has been on protecting privacy and individual autonomy in a tech-intensive society. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Algorithmic discrimination and the principle of equal treatment
Description
The topic analyses the risks of discrimination arising from the use of algorithms and their impact on the principle of equal treatment. Legal safeguards and access to services in the digital environment are under consideration. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Algorithmic discrimination and the principle of equal treatment
Description
The topic analyses the risks of discrimination arising from the use of algorithms and their impact on the principle of equal treatment. Legal safeguards and access to services in the digital environment are under consideration. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Digital platforms and concentration of power
Description
The theme focuses on the role of digital platforms in the market, the responsibility of platforms and the risks of concentration of power. The EU single market framework, the protection of users’ and consumers’ rights are being analysed. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Digital platforms and concentration of power
Description
The theme focuses on the role of digital platforms in the market, the responsibility of platforms and the risks of concentration of power. The EU single market framework, the protection of users’ and consumers’ rights are being analysed. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Robotics and autonomous systems
Description
The topic looks at the legal aspects of robotics and the use of autonomous systems. Attention is drawn to civil and public liability for damage, safety standards and risk assessment. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Robotics and autonomous systems
Description
The topic looks at the legal aspects of robotics and the use of autonomous systems. Attention is drawn to civil and public liability for damage, safety standards and risk assessment. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Biotechnology and bioethics
Description
The topic analyses the legal and ethical aspects of biotechnology and medical innovation. The integrity of the human body, research boundaries and international bioethical standards are all being looked at. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Biotechnology and bioethics
Description
The topic analyses the legal and ethical aspects of biotechnology and medical innovation. The integrity of the human body, research boundaries and international bioethical standards are all being looked at. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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International and European Union framework for new technologies
Description
The topic provides an overview of international and European Union regulatory approaches to new technologies, analysing regulatory models, institutional monitoring and case law. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Study room
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2
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Topics
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International and European Union framework for new technologies
Description
The topic provides an overview of international and European Union regulatory approaches to new technologies, analysing regulatory models, institutional monitoring and case law. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
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2
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Topics
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Technology ethics and risk management
Description
The topic focuses on ethical issues of technology use and risk management. The protection of human dignity, democratic values and the legal state in the digital age is being analysed. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
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2
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Topics
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Technology ethics and risk management
Description
The topic focuses on ethical issues of technology use and risk management. The protection of human dignity, democratic values and the legal state in the digital age is being analysed. |
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Test
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Exam
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Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
48 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Poncibò, C., & Ebers, M. (2025). The Cambridge handbook of generative AI and the law / edited by Mimi Zou, University of New South Wales, Sydney; Cristina Poncibo, University of Turin; Martin Ebers, University of Tartu, Estonia; Ryan Calo, University of Washington.
2.
Divissenko, N. (2025). Regulating Innovation in the Digital Age : a demand-centred toolbox for the data-driven economy / Nikita Divissenko.
3.
Burgess, P.(2024) AI and the rule of law : the necessary evolution of a concept. London, Oxford.
4.
Gambelin, O. (2024) Responsible AI: implement an ethical approach in your organization. New York.
Additional Reading
1.
Žurnāls "Jurista vārds"
2.
Smith, M., Urbas, G. (2021) Technology Law. Australian and International Perspectives.
3.
Ķinis, U. (zin. red.). (2022) Informācijas sabiedrības tiesību pamati. Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte.
Other Information Sources
1.
Regulation (EU) 2022/1925 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 September 2022 on contestable and fair markets in the digital sector and amending Directives (EU) 2019/1937 and (EU) 2020/1828 (Digital Markets Act) (Text with EEA relevance)
2.
Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act) (Text with EEA relevance)