Internet law and regulation

This unit will introduce you over the term to the legal issues raised by the internet. The unit will begin with a discussion of the various schools of thought about the application of law to the internet. It will also familiarise you with the history of communications legislation in Australia, as well as essential case law. You will be made familiar with the dual role of communications network users as both consumers and citizens and the economic and human rights arguments pertinent to each category. This will prepare you for later comparative analysis of the case law and legislation of the United Kingdom, European Union, as well as US legislation and case law. The relevant domestic, European and international laws will be scrutinised so that you will gain an understanding of the major regulatory regimes applicable to the internet. Topics may include the platform liability duty of care, the under-16 social media ban and regulatory role of the E-safety Commissioner, and network neutrality.