LWMTDP-Privacy and Data Protection

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Basak Bak
Email: basak.baktezgel@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
The module explores the legal protection afforded to privacy and personal data, with emphasis on the processing of information in the online environment. Subject to discussion will be the way in which privacy is protected under EU law, the tension between privacy and freedom of speech, the protection of personal and sensitive data (eg medical data), the UK and EU regulatory framework, including the data protection laws and the freedom of information provisions.

Aims:
This module aims to provide students with advanced knowledge of the legal, regulatory and policy issues on the protection of privacy and personal data.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the protection afforded to privacy and the conflicts that could arise with other rights, such as freedom of expression;


2. Demonstrate the ability to understand the protection available to personal information under EU and UK law;


3. Demonstrate the ability to ascertain the substantial law from legislation, case law and secondary literature.

Additional outcomes:
In addition to those listed in the School's $£core skills statement', the module will encourage the development of:
' High-level oral communication skills through reflective, analytical class discussion.
' Advanced critical reading skills in relation to primary and/or secondary sources

Outline content:

1. Historical evolution of the right to privacy, the different approaches on the protection of privacy in US and in Europe, the possible conflicts with freedom of expression, the contemporary framework for protecting personal data and transfers of data ;


2. The protection of Confidential Information and the common law doctrine of breach of confidence;


3. The EU and UK legal framework and current law for protecting personal data.


4. The GeneralData Protection Regulation ; the “right to be forgotten”


5. CCTV and Facial Recognition- the implications on data protection and privacy


6. ��Freedom of Information and public sector information.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching in this module is designed to provide students with a range of resources on which they can draw in their learning. The main elements are:

• A list of required and recommended readings, with notes and questions that will be used to guide class discussion and reflection.


• 6 seminars in the Spring term. Seminars are discussion based classes.


• Assessed work that will be used to develop students' skills and knowledge.