Data Privacy and Digital Rights

Lecturer/ Njissic Njilla 

Welcome to the module on Data Privacy and Digital Rights. In an era where data is the global economy's lifeblood, the ability to protect and govern that data is a defining skill for the modern legal professional. This module shifts the perspective from viewing data as an abstract asset to recognizing it as an extension of the individual—a fundamental component of human identity in the digital sphere.

This module navigates the complex intersection of global privacy regulations and individual human rights. We move beyond a surface-level checklist of compliance to analyze the underlying philosophy of "Privacy by Design." You will investigate how frameworks like the GDPR, CCPA, and emerging regional statutes aim to restore balance between the power of data-driven enterprises and the rights of the individual.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Regulatory Fluency: Deep-diving into cross-border data transfer mechanisms, accountability principles, and the legal definition of "personally identifiable information" (PII).

• Digital Rights Advocacy: Exploring the evolution of the "Right to be Forgotten," algorithmic non-discrimination, and individual digital autonomy.

• Practical Strategy: Learning to perform Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) and implementing compliance frameworks that are resilient to rapid technological shifts.

By the end of this module, you will understand that data privacy is not a barrier to innovation; it is the bedrock upon which user trust and sustainable digital systems are built.