Telecommunications and Internet Law (LAW223H1F)

As the telecommunications and Internet fields continue to pass through a period of profound technological and economic change, this seminar will explore the key constitutional, administrative law, regulatory, policy, business and technological aspects of their environment. The course will provide both broad context and focus on issues of current interest in the industry. Topics addressed in the seminar include: To what extent and is a sector specific regulator, such as the CRTC, required to regulate the telecommunications industry. How should new technologies be regulated? How do the CRTC and Competition Bureau interact given that both have jurisdiction over telecommunications? What role should the Government play in setting policy directions and/or overturning specific CRTC decisions? Can a hyperlink be defamatory? What legal rules apply to cloud computing and social media? How to determine who has jurisdiction over the Internet? What are the boundaries of digital copyright? What restrictions should be allowed on the management of Internet traffic? How should New Media be regulated in Canada, if at all?