599 Information and Privacy Law (Work)

LAW599

Information Law

(Work)

Prerequisite courses:

Prerequisite for:

Instructor(s): Frank Work, QC

Maximum enrollment:

Method of presentation: Primarily lecture with ample opportunity for participation.

METHOD OF EVALUATION:

90% paper; 10% attendance

This will be a paper course. Ninety (90) percent of the grade will be based on a paper. The topic must be approved by the Instructor. The papers will be due one week after the last class of this course. The other ten (10) per net will be class participation which basically means attendance. One (1) point out of 10 will be given for each class attended. Since there are 13 classes, 3 classes can be missed without losing points. Of course Faculty and University policy respecting longer absences (ie illness) will apply.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

In this course we will begin by looking at “information” in a general, philosophical way. We will then look at some of the challenges presented by information technologies, everything from artificial intelligence to algorithms, to social media, to Big Data. We will look at some schemes and processes aimed at making information technology more fair, just, and manageable. Next is a consideration of “information rights” of which privacy is one. Access to information, which is another, will come later. On to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, specifically section 8 cases. Alberta’s privacy laws are next: Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Health Information Act and Personal Information Protection Act. Then the Federal Privacy Act (the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)). Next, the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We will then consider “privacy torts”. Finally, “access to information” laws and cases.

SPECIAL COMMENTS:

Description updated 2021-22. Please contact the instructor for any specific questions you may have related to this particular course section.

REQUIRED TEXTS (IF ANY):

No required texts.