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Law & Tech
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:15:53
Abstract
This course introduces students to scientific and technological developments that require regulation or enable legal innovation. We focus particularly on the challenges to current law posed by prominent near-future technologies.
Objective
The course is intended for a wide range of ETH students as well as for law students interested in acquiring a better understanding of state-of-the-art technology. The course will combine both an overview of major areas of law that are relevant for the regulation of technology and guest lectures on new technological developments. In previous years, speakers from industry (Google, Youtube), NGOs (Digital Society Switzerland, The European Consumer Organizations), regulatory agencies (Swiss Competition Commission), and academia participated as guest speakers. The course is open to ETH students through the Science in Perspective program of the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences.
Content
The planned course outline is below. - Overview of Law and Technology - Fundamental Rights - AI & Discrimination - Landmark Big Tech Cases - Regulation of Digital Platforms & Content Moderation - Online Consumer Protection - Law and Tech Scholarship Series A number of recent regulations will be discussed, including the EU's AI Act, the Digital Services Act (DSA), and the Digital Markets Act (DMA), as well as emerging internet phenomena, like ChatGPT and the Metaverse.
Resources
Learning Materials (Links)
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 72
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Law & Tech |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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Type B: Reflection About Subject-Specific Methods and Contents (Subject-specific courses. Particularly relevant for students interested in those subjects. All these courses are also listed under the category “Typ A”, and every student can enroll in these courses.)
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Doctorate Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (More Information at: )
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