SPP 39G Internet Policy and Governance

This class introduces students to actors, institutions and public interest battles fought nationally, regionally and globally for the control of the Internet. It considers the interaction between law, technological design, and policy solutions in shaping infrastructure, code and content of the global web. Topics covered in the course include history of Internet policy; the relationship between technical architecture and law; digital inequalities and social inclusion; freedom of expression and intellectual property; surveillance, privacy and cybersecurity; trade policy, data protection and social media governance in the era of datafication. Readings and online discussions with research partners, policy advocates and experts will expose students to diverse perspectives and first-hand information on these debates. Objectives: Primary objectives of this course are to 1) familiarize students with key Internet policy controversies, and 2) help them develop technical, regulatory, legal, and rhetorical skills to analyze and participate in these debates.