Hot Issues in Tech Policy (Reading Group)

In our hyper-networked world dominated by digital gatekeepers, tech policy implicates the law, business, engineering and --- perhaps foremost --- society. Effective lawyering in the field must be multi-dimensional and incorporate economic, technological, societal and historical perspectives on the issues. This reading group will put these principles into action by examining current tech policy issues through these lenses. Past offerings of the reading group examined breaking issues such as Facebook and Cambridge Analytica (data collection and use); Uber and the Arizona pedestrian death (testing of AI); Amazon and antitrust (competition online); Apple and iPhone encryption (privacy vs. security); and LinkedIn and public user data (platform control and data ownership). Some possible topics this year include AI and facial recognition; social networks and political advertising; and Google, Apple and digital competition. The reading group does not require a technology background --- just interest in gaining a deeper understanding of the issues. It will meet every other week starting week 1 (weeks 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9) on Thursdays, 6:30PM to 8:30PM. Grading (MP/R/F) will be based on attendance and class participation. Enrollment will be limited to 10 students, with consent of the instructor. CONSENT APPLICATION: To apply for this course, students must complete and submit a short Consent Application Form available on the SLS website (click Courses at the bottom of the homepage and then click Consent of Instructor Forms). Applications are due by December 15, though earlier submissions are welcome.