70227 - Information Technology and Law

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student: - acquires awareness of the existence of legal problems related to new technologies; - understands how to develop and use (as a professional or user) new technologies in compliance with laws and regulations; - is able to find qualified sources and autonomously interpret the current legislation applicable to his/her area of interest; - develops the ability to manage projects that involve legal knowledge; - interacts in a qualified manner with lawyers and legal experts.

Course contents

Introduction to the course
Regulation of Emerging Technologies. The Computer Science Profession and Law: Consulting, Software Development and Entrepreneurship

Internet of Things (IoT) and Data Protection
Digital risk society. Regulation of digital platforms: user, developer, and company perspectives. Italian and European guarantee institutions. Surveillance and privacy technologies. Smart technology. Role of the DPO (Data Protection Officer).
Commented regulations: Data Governance Act, Digital Service Act, GDPR, ISO/IEC 27001; Digital Market Act and e-commerce.

IT Governance
Project Management Regulations and Models. European and international policies on Smart Cities. Digital Administration Code and recent amendments. Smart contracts and blockchain. Compliance regulations: financial and management penalties.

Patents and Copyright
Intellectual Property Rights. Open source software. Metaverse, virtual property and regulations. Digital twins. Digital Identity and ethical Issues. Videogames and copyrights. 

Artificial Intelligence
State of the art of research on AI regulations in Europe. Automated decision-making liability and bias. Liability and accountability for harm caused by intelligent agents. Risks of generative physical AI: applications and ethical issues. Digital twins and simulations. Commented regulations: AI Act (new 2025 guidelines)

Cybercrime
Professional roles in cyber law engineering. Types of cybercrime. Social engineering. Intelligence, cyber espionage, and cyberterrorism. Digital forensics.
Commented regulations: Cybersecurity Act, Network and Information Systems 2 (NIS 2).

Case Studies: Analysis of Real Cases and discussion

Readings/Bibliography

The supporting teaching documentation will consist of the lecture slides and the handouts/papers provided by the teacher through the Virtual Learning Environment platform.

Book for non-attending students, in addition to the supporting teaching documentations:

• AA.VV. (2024) La regolazione europea della società digitale. Curatore: F. Pizzetti. Ed. Giappichelli

Recommended texts for possible further study:

• G. Finocchiaro, Intelligenza artificiale. Quali regole?, Zanichelli, Bologna, 2024
• A. Santosuosso, G. Sartor (2024). Decidere con l'IA. Intelligenze artificiali e naturali nel diritto, ed, Il Mulino
• A. Contaldo , F. Peluso (2022). Informatica forense e nuove tecnologie dell’informazione, PM edizioni

 

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons held by the teacher. Practical cases will be analyzed and exercises will be carried out during the lessons.
Teaching innovation strategy
Emphasis on learning-by-doing with a focus on practice. The student-centered model allows sessions with specific group work activities.
Teaching innovation methodology
In particular, the innovative training activity, which will also be developed through meetings with professionals in the sector and group work, will be based on two main methodologies (guided by the teacher): a) one based on investigation, which stimulates the student to formulate investigable questions, carry out useful actions to solve problems and understand the phenomena presented more deeply; b) one of group analysis, aimed at allowing individual students and groups to be more receptive to new ideas, evaluating different points of view, and to develop them in a creative and constructive way

Assessment methods

For students attending at least 70% of classes, with some exceptions, the exam will take place during the course in three phases:

• The quality of the laboratory exercises conducted during the lectures will be taken into consideration, aimed at applying and consolidating what has been learned
• A single written intermediate test will be administered during the course on two topics, previously indicated
• A short final research paper on a topic of particular interest to the candidate will be presented to the class

The grade will be expressed in thirtieths and will be the average of the single evaluations. 

NON-attending students will have a single final test on the entire program and the indicated textbook. Students must contact the instructor in advance before the exam session.

Teaching tools

Possible tools:

Digital presentations, videos, short webinars with external experts, publication of handouts, use of a forum for ongoing questions and clarifications, collaborative writing and communication.

Multimedia tools: Virtual, videoconferencing tool, Asynchronous communication and collaboration apps, Investigation and analysis tools

Office hours

See the website of Luisa Dall'Acqua