Course Overview and Objectives
• • Introduction to IT law
• • Course objectives
• • Importance of the subject
• This course explores the legal dimensions of the digital
world. Students will understand foundational concepts of
IT law, examine regulatory approaches, and consider
Ethiopia’s position within global developments. The course
fosters critical analysis of legal responses to digital
transformation, preparing students for evolving legal
challenges.
Defining IT Law
• • Terminologies: Internet Law, Computer Law, IT Law
• • Scope and distinctions
• IT Law encompasses Internet Law, Computer Law, and
other digital legal issues. Computer Law typically
focuses on software/hardware legalities, Internet Law
on cyberspace conduct, and IT Law is the broader,
encompassing term dealing with the legal
ramifications of digital communication, computing,
and data.
The Information Society and Regulation
• • Concept of an 'information society'
• • Role of law in regulation
• An information society is one where creation,
dissemination, and manipulation of
information are central. Law manages rights,
risks, and responsibilities in technological
developments, including digital access,
cybercrime, and data protection.
Regulating IT or Regulation by IT?
• • Dual nature of IT and law
• • Legal frameworks vs technological controls
• There's a divide between regulating IT (law
shaping technology use) and regulation by IT
(technology enforcing laws or rules). Examples
include digital rights management systems and
cybercrime legislation, raising questions about
fairness and accountability.
The Need for a Distinct Cyberlaw
• • Debates on new laws
• • Legal transposition and traditional doctrines
• Traditional frameworks may not suit
cyberspace. Some scholars argue against
creating separate laws, but others support
specialized laws to address issues like cross-
border data and virtual property.
Internet Governance: Core Notions
• • What is internet governance?
• • Principles and issues
• Internet governance involves principles,
norms, rules, and decision-making that shape
Internet use and development. It covers
domain names, IP addresses, access equity,
security, and human rights.
Internet Governance Institutions
• • ICANN, ITU, IGF
• • Roles and criticisms
• Institutions like ICANN (domain names), ITU
(telecom regulation), and IGF (dialogue
platform) shape digital policies. Criticisms
include lack of transparency and limited
Global South representation.
Ethiopian Context of IT Regulation
• • Current legal instruments
• • Gaps and challenges
• Ethiopia has limited IT-specific laws, with
many in early development. Laws like the
Computer Crime Proclamation provide a
framework, but enforcement and alignment
with international norms remain challenging.
Comparative Insights
• • Lessons from CoE, EU, USA
• • Adaptation to local context
• Ethiopia can adapt models like the EU's GDPR
or US e-commerce laws. However, local
adaptation must consider Ethiopia’s context,
infrastructure, and cultural values.
Conclusion and Reflection
• • Legal adaptability
• • Future of IT law in Ethiopia
• Law must evolve with technology. Ethiopia
should strengthen institutions, encourage
legal research, and engage globally to develop
robust IT regulations.
