S. Anonymity and Privacy

The First and Fourth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution—which guarantee free speech and prohibit unreasonable governmental invasions of privacy—have seen a curious effect from the Internet and related technologies. On the one hand, the Internet has created “the most participatory marketplace of mass speech that this country—and indeed the world—has yet seen”, and it has enabled new forms of secure communication. On the other, it has created unprecedented opportunities for surveillance and corporate control. This seminar will bring together professors and select students from the law school and computer science to discuss these issues. Classes will cover both the technical and legal aspects of free speech, anonymity and privacy in today's online world. No prior technical background (for law students) or legal background (for CS students) is assumed; both groups, however, will be expected to learn something of the other's field.