Confronting Misinformation Online: Law and Policy

This course will examine contemporary challenges and trade-offs for tech law and policy decision-making presented by false information online. Topics will include content policy and regulatory responses to election misinformation; medical misinformation; the spread of misinformation in armed conflict and situations of widespread human rights violations; and conspiracy theories and rumors in the areas of science, climate, religion, and politics. Along with the faculty, guest speakers from academia and industry thought leaders will present on these topics, followed by a discussion. In addition, students will analyze real-world dilemmas confronting policymakers through practical case studies and will assume the role of a policymaker from either the private sector, the government, or a non-governmental organization as part of each class. Finally, this course will explore regulatory, policy, technological, and other solutions to enhance the integrity of the online information ecosystem and address the growing problem of false information online. Special Instructions: Up to five Law students, with the consent of the instructors, will have the option to write an independent research paper for Law School Research (R) credit. For students in this section (02), the research paper will replace the Final Policy Memo. All other elements used in grading will apply. Students taking the course for R credit can take the course for either 2 or 3 units, depending on the paper length. Elements used in grading: Attendance, Class Participation, Written Assignments; Final Policy Memo or Final Research Paper. CONSENT APPLICATION: To apply for this course, students must complete and submit a Consent Application Form available at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0YkhIErNZKNHXv9TH67x7Nga8dUBF0NjK_fZcG4dT2PCwGw/viewform. See Consent Application Form for instructions and submission deadline. Cross-listed with International Policy (INTLPOL 363).