91421 - Big Data (Privacy)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course unit, students: - possess an in-depth knowledge about the main legal issues concerning big data management, either by relying on a comparative perspective or by making reference to solutions available at international and supranational level; - can evaluate the degree of protection afforded by different legal orders with regard to big data, also in the light of the impact made by international and supranational fundamental rights protection standards and the decisions of relevant monitoring bodies.

Course contents

Introduction to the Data Protection Legislation: Right to the Protection of Personal Data in the Big Data Era

Setting the Stage: General Definitions and Connected Issues

The Scope of the GDPR and the International Dimension of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Market

General Principles and Legitimacy of the Processing: Open Issues and Current Challenges

Particular Categories of Data and Specific Application Matters

Information to the Data SubjectData Controller, Data Processor, Data Protection Officer and other Subjects of the Processing

Rights of the Data Subjects: from the Right to Access Information to the Right to Be Forgotten

Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and Enforceability Issues

Data Protection Impact Assessment, Data Breach and Records of Processing Activities

International Transfers of Personal Data: Rules and Public Enforcement

Personal Data and Connected Rights: Service Provider Liability

Privacy, Big Data and Challenges of the Artificial Intelligence Applications

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching resources (case law, docs, etc.) will be available on "Virtuale" Platform (online Dashboard)

Teaching methods

Traditional classes. Attendance to class is advised, but not compulsory and subject to the pandemic situation. In any case, the lessons will be also carried out online. 

Assessment methods

The assessment will be focused on the Student's knowledge as well as the ability to settle issues related to the course subjects.

The students’ knowledge is assessed through a discussion, to evaluate the actual achievement of the learning outcomes. The exam consists in an interview with the appointed commission on the topics included in the programme.

The assessment will take into account the knowledge of the relevant institutional framework, the ability to analyse doctrinal and jurisprudential opinions and, to single out connections between the relevant topics, to critical reasoning, as well as the clarity of presentation and critical thinking.

By way of example, the following criteria will be used to assess the final mark (that will be out of 30/30):

- sufficient or barely sufficient knowledge on the programme, limited reasoning ability, some difficulties in using technical and legal language → 18-21/30;

- fairly good knowledge of the programme, adequate critical reasoning ability, sound use of technical and legal language → 22-25/30;

- comprehensive knowledge of the programme, notable reasoning ability, good command of technical and legal language → 26-29/30;

- extensive knowledge of the programme, very good reasoning ability, and ability to fully master technical-legal language → 30-30L/30.

Teaching tools

Case Law docs (Courts' rulings; Data Protection Authorities decisions etc.).

Students who need compensatory measures and/or dispensative tools due to disability or Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) should communicate it to the Professor as soon as possible.

Office hours

See the website of Matilde Ratti