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Law & Tech
Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:53
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, with a current emphasis on the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI).
Objective
The course is designed for a wide range of ETH students as well as for law students who are keen to deepen their understanding of cutting-edge technology. It introduces core legal principles relevant to technology regulation and offers an overview of key legal areas, complemented by guest lectures on emerging technological trends. In previous years, the course has featured esteemed speakers from various sectors, including speakers from leading technology companies, influential NGOs, national regulatory agencies, and distinguished universities. 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 includes the following thematic blocks: - Overview of Law and Technology - Fundamental Rights in the Digital Age - AI Regulation I: AI in Government - AI Regulation II: Liability Rules for AI - Content Moderation - Regulation of Digital Platforms - Landmark Big Tech Cases - 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.
Resources
Learning Materials (Links)
- Moodle course
- Moodle-Kurs / Moodle course
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 45
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar |
Law & Tech
Lecture starts in week 2 (25/09)
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2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Wissenschaft im Kontext (Science in Perspective) (In Kursen aus dem Programm “Wissenschaft im Kontext” lernen Studierende, die MINT Fächer der ETH aus der Perspektive der Geistes-, Sozial- und Staatswissenschaften zu reflektieren. Nur die in diesem Abschnitt aufgelisteten Fächer können als "Wissenschaft im Kontext" angerechnet werden.)
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Typ A: Förderung allgemeiner Reflexionskompetenz (WiK-Kurse werden für Bachelorstudierende nach dem ersten Studienjahr sowie für alle Masterstudierende und Doktorierende empfohlen. Alle WiK-Kurse sind in Typ A gelistet. Bei den unter Typ B aufgeführten Kursen handelt es sich lediglich um Belegungsempfehlungen für bestimmte Departemente.)
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Typ B: Reflexion über fachspezifische Methoden und Inhalte (Fachspezifische Lerneinheiten. Relevant für alle Studierenden, die sich für diese Kurse interessieren. Diese Lerneinheiten sind alle auch unter "Typ A" aufgelistet, d.h. die Einschreibung ist allen Studierenden möglich.)
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Doktorat Geistes-, Sozial- und Staatswissenschaften (Mehr Informationen unter: )
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