58463 - Internet Law

Learning outcomes

Basic knowledge of Internet Law: the legal profile of electronic commerce and IT security.

Course contents

At the end of the course, students are familiar with the main legal issues related to economic activities carried out on the Internet. They are aware of some legal profiles of computer security. They are able to make an initial assessment of the conformity of an electronic commerce project with the applicable regulation.

• The law applicable to legal acts performed via the Internet
• Competent jurisdiction
• The contract as the main instrument of innovation and legal regulation on the Internet
• Network access contracts, electronic commerce contracts (between businesses and between businesses and consumers), IT contracts (development contract, user licence contract, etc.), new atypical contracts, cloud computing
• Digital and electronic signatures
• Protection of personal rights on the Internet
• Processing of personal data: privacy, anonymity and information needs
• Infringement of personality rights via the internet: precautionary protection and compensation for damages
• The protection of computer assets (software, databases, multimedia works, etc.) between copyright, patent and sui generis right
• Legal profiles of computer security
• Computer crimes

Readings/Bibliography

- G. Finocchiaro, Internet Law, Zanichelli, Bologna, 2023, 4rd edition.

For the basics of private law, it is recommended:

- F. Galgano, Istituzioni di diritto privato, Cedam, Padova (in particolare: le fonti, i diritti della personalità, l'obbligazione, il contratto, i fatti ileciti).

Students are required to be aware of the most recent legislation.

Teaching methods

Lectures (online and in person).

Assessment methods

The final exam will be oral (for attending and not attending students). The questions posed by the examining commission will concern the topics indicated in the Section “Course contents”. For the preparation of the exam students can refer to the text book indicated in the Section “Readings/Bibliography”. Students are required to be aware of the most recent legislation.

The oral examination is designed to appreciate the level of understanding of Internet law, as well as the active ability of working with the fundamental rules of this system. The achievement by the student of an organic vision of the issues addressed, and in particular the ability to capture the dynamic aspects of the legal system studied

The student's an organic vision of the topics dealt with, in particular the ability to grasp the dynamic aspects of internet law, the ability to fluently express their position in relation to the topics dealt with, the use of specific technical language and the ability to engage legal topics will be assessed with marks of excellence.

A predominantly mnemonic and notional knowledge of the topics covered, resulting in an exposition not supported by analyses skills in an organic perspective and a correct but not always appropriate language will lead to fair grades.

Inadequate preparation and/or inappropriate language, albeit in the context of a minimal knowledge of the examination material, will lead to barely sufficient marks.

Inadequate preparation, inappropriate language and lack of orientation within the relevant pieces of law will be assessed negatively.

In order to sit the examination, registration is required via the electronic platform "Almaesami", in accordance with the deadlines (generally 7 days before the date set for the examination). Those who are unable to enrol by the deadline must notify the teaching secretariat as soon as possible (and in any case before the official closing of the enrolment lists).

The assessment will be recorded only on the date set and indicated in Almaesami and after registration.

N.B. The exam can be taken by students who are up to date with the payment of university fees, with the inclusion of the course in their study plan and who are regularly registered for the exam. Under no circumstances will it be possible to sit the exam informally in order to mark it later.

The dissertation must be handed in to the lecturer twenty days before the date set for the online submission.

Teaching tools

Students who, for reasons dependent on disabilities or specific learning disorders (DSA), need compensatory tools can communicate their needs to the Professors so that they can be directed to the contact persons and agree on the most appropriate measures to be taken.

Office hours

See the website of Matilde Ratti

See the website of Giulio Errani