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860-0018-00L 6 Credits MSC D-GESS

AI, Law, and Policy (Case Study)

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Stefan Bechtold
Limited number of participants.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:42

Abstract

This course examines and critiques the design of the Internet, with a focus on the connection between the engineering features and principles of the network and the legal, economic, and political concerns which have followed its evolution.

Objective

This course examines and critiques the design of the Internet (broadly defined), with a focus on the connection between the engineering features and principles of the network (packet switching, global addressing, the end-to-end argument, etc.) and the legal, economic, and political concerns which have followed its evolution (security properties, censorship and censorship resistance, "net neutrality", etc.). No prior knowledge of networking technologies is required; conversely the course will focus only on those features of the Internet design which have strong political and legal implications (and vice versa). The course consists of two parts: lectures and seminars in one part provide an introduction and discussion of the technical, legal, and political aspects of the Internet design. The other part consists of a specific case study of some aspect of the Internet by individual students.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Students must cumulatively 1. attend 10 course meetings, 2. present one of the reading assignments and lead a discussion, 3. write short comments on 7 reading assignments, and 4. participate actively in the course.

Registration & Places

Limited places (Special selection)
Signup End
22.02.2026
Priority: Registration for the course unit is only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
seminar AI, Law, and Policy
Permission from lecturers required for all students.
  • Wed 14:15-16:00 (IFW E 42)
  • 18.02 Date 14:15-16:00 (HG E 5)
2 h weekly
independent project AI, Law, and Policy (Case Study)
Permission from lecturers required for all students.
No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In