DRAFT. This version of the catalogue is a draft version and subject to change.
Unless you have been specifically directed here, you probably want to use the main catalogue.
Last modified: 3 Days, 15 Hours, 19 Minutes ago
This course aims to introduce students to the dynamics and implications of the digital economy. The course will first explore the historical and economic dimensions of the 'platformisation' of the market. It will then address the relevant areas affected by the "disruptive" intervention of online platforms, exploring vulnerabilities, imbalances, and risks posed to our rights, as well as the legal responses to tackle these challenges.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 25 credits (12.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
|
||
One or more of these courses have a limited number of places. Priority access will be given to students for whom this course is compulsory. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for more details on this process.
The digital economy is now largely characterised by the role played by intermediary gatekeepers, such as online platforms. The European. Commission has defined the latter as "an undertaking operating in two or (multi)-sided markets, which uses Internet to enable interaction between two or more distinct but interdependent groups of users so as to generate value for at least one of the groups". These business models (Uber, Airbnb, Netflix, Amazon are some examples of them) do not operate as merely passive carriers, but they are creating new markets and reshape Internet governance mechanisms. While their existence can potentially entail new job opportunities and consumer choices, their increasing market power and gatekeeping function is raising several concerns from a legal point of view. Through private ordering, platforms can influence consumer behaviours, include or exclude competitors, curate and select the content that one can access online.
The course aims to critically discuss the emerging legal challenges raised by online platforms in the digital economy, their current regulation at the domestic and European level, and the ongoing initiatives to create a level playing field for the actors operating in the digital economy.
The course will be organised around six main topics, such as:
• The origin of the platform economy: historical and economic background
• The global governance of the digital economy: the Brussels, Washington, and Beijing effects
• Platform power and competition law
• Fair work in the platform economy
• Information and freedom of expression on digital platforms
• Transparency of online marketplaces and consumer protection: the issue of dark patterns and online manipulation
No previous technical knowledge is required. The course will see the participation of experts from different backgrounds (e.g. computer science, psychology) to provide an easy-to-follow introduction to specific technical aspects which are relevant for the legal analysis.
This course is offered as part of the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Chair in "Fair Digital Transition", a prestigious award of the EU Commission for innovative teaching and learning activities.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Online Exam. Three questions at 800-words each. The feedback will be provided in written form and in accordance with the Common Grading Scale. The feedback will be provided within three weeks as of submission, in accordance with the School’s and University’s policies. |
|||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | To gain knowledge and understanding of the legal framework applicable to the platform economy. |
| Procedural | Apply | To apply the knowledge and concepts acquired in concrete case scenarios, such as personalised pricing, content moderation, abuse of dominant position. |
| Reflection | Analyse | To analyse the conflict between different areas of law in the digital sphere, e.g. freedom to conduct a business and intellectual property rights. |
| Reflection | Create | To communicate orally and in writing information, advice and choices in an effective and persuasive manner. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | To evaluate the legal implications of platform economy, their impact on society and the potential paths for regulation. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
The feedback will be provided in written form and in accordance with the Common Grading Scale. The feedback will be provided within three weeks as of submission, in accordance with the School’s and University’s policies. |
Word Count | 2500 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | To gain knowledge and understanding of the legal framework applicable to the platform economy. |
| Procedural | Apply | To apply the knowledge and concepts acquired in concrete case scenarios, such as personalised pricing, content moderation, abuse of dominant position. |
| Reflection | Create | To communicate orally and in writing information, advice and choices in an effective and persuasive manner. |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Re-submission of failed element in re-sit diet; the failed course will be capped at grade 09 (D3). |
|||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
|
|
||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Reflection | Analyse | To analyse the conflict between different areas of law in the digital sphere, e.g. freedom to conduct a business and intellectual property rights. |
| Reflection | Create | To communicate orally and in writing information, advice and choices in an effective and persuasive manner. |
| Conceptual | Understand | To gain knowledge and understanding of the legal framework applicable to the platform economy. |
| Procedural | Apply | To apply the knowledge and concepts acquired in concrete case scenarios, such as personalised pricing, content moderation, abuse of dominant position. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | To evaluate the legal implications of platform economy, their impact on society and the potential paths for regulation. |
We have detected that you are have compatibility mode enabled or are using an old version of Internet Explorer. You either need to switch off compatibility mode for this site or upgrade your browser.
