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851-0771-00L 3 Credits DS D-GESS

Generative AI and the Law: Copyright, Privacy, Contracts and Compliance

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Stefan Bechtold, Margaritha Windisch
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:31:44

Abstract

This interdisciplinary course explores how generative Artificial Intelligence builds upon and clashes with copyright, contract, privacy, and competition law.

Objective

Students learn about the relevant legal landscape when building, using, or working with generative AI systems. Focusing on Switzerland, the EU, and the US, students discuss the legal and ethical challenges posed by AI on the input side (data collection, model training) and the output side (AI-generated works), and how AI technologies and AI governance frameworks around the globe interact.

Content

This interdisciplinary course explores how generative Artificial Intelligence builds upon and clashes with copyright, contract, privacy, and competition law. In this course, students explore and discuss the complex legal landscape when building, using, or working with generative AI systems. Focusing on Switzerland, Europe, and the US, students examine the legal and ethical challenges posed by AI on both the input side (data collection and model training) and the output side (AI-generated works). Through a combination of introductory overviews, case studies, academic readings, and practical assignments, students understand how the development of AI systems relates to copyright, contract, privacy, and competition law, and how AI technologies and AI governance frameworks around the globe interact.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DS

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Registration & Places

Limited places (Special selection)
Signup End
19.09.2025

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
seminar Generative AI and the Law: Copyright, Privacy, Contracts and Compliance
  • Tue 14:15-16:00 (IFW E 42)
  • 16.09 Date 14:15-16:00 (HG E 1.1)
2 h weekly

Offered In

  • 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.)