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Jan Smits

Explore the intricacies of European privacy law in this focused course, designed as a follow-up to "Privacy in the Western World." This course places a strong focus on the European legal framework, which bases its privacy protection on seminal human rights treaties such as the UN Declaration on Human Rights.

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Explore the intricacies of European privacy law in this focused course, designed as a follow-up to "Privacy in the Western World." This course places a strong focus on the European legal framework, which bases its privacy protection on seminal human rights treaties such as the UN Declaration on Human Rights.

You'll gain insights into the historical context that shaped Europe's approach to privacy, beginning with economic cooperation initiatives set up to prevent another conflict after the devastating effects of World War II. As you progress, you'll learn how this cooperative framework expanded to address critical issues, including the paramount importance of respecting human rights and, increasingly, the protection of individual privacy—a subject that has attracted substantial global attention.

Dive into the legal elements that have played a key role in formalizing the notion of privacy and its legal protection. Specifically, you will examine the rules governing the exchange of personal data between the USA and Europe and delve into the foundational legal components that make up the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Upon completing this course, you'll have a thorough understanding of both the key legal elements and the historical context that led to the development of privacy protection in Europe.

Ready to expand your knowledge and become proficient in European privacy law? Enroll now to ensure you don't miss this opportunity.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Human rights and Economic Cooperation in Europe
European privacy protection is based upon human rights treaties, both on a European level as well global level such as, e.g. the UN Declaration on Human Rights. First we deal with how the European cooperation came into being after the devastating effects of World War II. Economic cooperation was deemed necessary to prevent another war. From economic cooperation other issues became part of the negotiations, and to this day more and more policy fields have become part of the European cooperation.
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European Legal system
This European Legal system is based on ancient Roman Law and as such one of the oldest in the world. This module focuses on the privacy aspects of the European Legal System and explains some of its history, its first legislation on data protection and privacy and their link to human rights. Finally the enforcement institutes and their role are discussed.
Case Law
European privacy law was and continues to be shaped by rulings and judgements by national and European courts. We travel through the historically most impactful cases , trending from the human rights aspect towards the complete data protection nowadays.
GDPR Main Elements
Nowadays privacy and data in Europe is protected by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). All previous treaties, directives and regulations have led towards this regulation. As a result the GDPR is very comprehensive. This module will introduce the principles the regulation is based on and discuss most of its main elements. As one of the most progressive piece of legislation globablly it inspires other law makers to apply similar approaches in their legal system. The Californian State for example in 2020.
Individual Rights
One of the unique approaches the GDPR takes is the rights it gives individuals to protect their data. We shortly introduce each of them, providing you with the framework of the European privacy protection.
Additional Reading
This module is entirely dedicated to delve deeper in the subject of data protection and privacy. We provide you with additional reading material that will not be graded or required in the final examination. However we strongly advise you to scan or read through this module not only help you gain a better understanding of data protection law but also form a independent opinion on the subject.
Examination
The final quiz and opportunity for you to demonstrate that you mastered the content of this course. Good luck!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops skills, knowledge, and tools that are highly relevant to industry
Builds a strong foundation for beginners in European privacy law
Taught by Jan Smits, who are recognized for their work in privacy law
Develops professional skills or deep expertise in a particular topic or set of topics related to privacy in the EU
Requires students to have a foundational understanding of privacy and human rights
May require students to have some prior knowledge of European Legal System, privacy law, or data protection regulatory landscape

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Reviews summary

Well-received privacy course

Learners say this course features well-organized readings, informative lectures, and relevant case studies that provide a comprehensive overview of privacy regulations in Europe. While some learners find the videos basic and the instructor's English slightly distracting, many emphasize the wealth of additional documents the course offers for self-study. Overall, learners find the course content engaging and informative.
Features informative and well-structured lectures.
"The lectures were very explicit and to the point."
"Very clear and straightforward, the example of cases are relevant!"
"The course is very informative for me. It will help me in my studies"
Provides valuable external resources.
"The best of the course is all the articles, reports, and additional documents that they provide for you."
"The reading materials are excellent, relevant and very detailed. This course gives a very thorough insight in the latest European data protection regulations."
"Excellent training on privacy in Europe with special focus on GDPR. While the material was presented in clear and concise manner, the reading materials provided our outstanding."
Videos are simplistic and lack depth.
"The best of the course is all the articles, reports, and additional documents that they provide for you. They cover very interesting topics such as blockchain or legal cases. However, the videos I found them to be quite simplistic, and it felt the speaker was basically reading the ppts more than expanding their content."
Some course materials are outdated and haven't been updated.
"Unfortunately, this course has not been updated since it was published (2020?)."
"In Week 3, we could download the 'Handbook on European Data Protection Law'. But this was the 2014 version."
Instructor's English and communication skills could be improved.
"The Instructor could not express himself enough."
"mr. Smits, being a non-native speaker of English, sometimes getting caught up in language hurdles, which proved slightly distracting."
"Unfortunately, this course has not been updated since it was published (2020?)."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Privacy in Europe with these activities:
Review privacy and data protection fundamentals
Review basic concepts of privacy law, data protection, and human rights to strengthen your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on Privacy Law
Show steps
  • Read introductory materials on privacy law and data protection.
  • Revisit case studies or examples of privacy breaches.
  • Discuss key concepts with peers or mentors.
Review European Legal System
This preparatory activity will help you brush up on your knowledge of the European Legal System, which provides the foundational framework for European privacy law.
Show steps
  • Read the provided articles and textbooks.
  • Review your notes or past coursework on European Legal System.
  • Take practice quizzes or solve practice problems related to European Legal System.
Gather Resources on Privacy Law in Europe
Building a compilation of resources will provide you with a valuable reference point for further research and exploration of European privacy law.
Browse courses on Data Protection
Show steps
  • Identify relevant websites, articles, books, and other materials on European privacy law.
  • Organize the resources into categories, such as regulations, case law, and scholarly articles.
  • Create a document or database to store and manage the resources.
  • Regularly review and update the compilation to ensure it remains comprehensive and current.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Analyze Case Law Examples
By delving into real-world case law examples, you will deepen your understanding of how European courts interpret and apply privacy law, enhancing your ability to navigate complex legal scenarios.
Browse courses on Case Law
Show steps
  • Select a set of case law examples on privacy-related issues in Europe.
  • Read and analyze the judgments, noting the key legal principles and reasoning
  • Identify similarities and differences in the approaches taken by different courts
  • Summarize your findings and discuss the implications for privacy protection.
Seek Guidance from Experts in European Privacy Law
Connecting with experienced professionals will provide you with valuable insights and support in navigating the complexities of European privacy law.
Show steps
  • Identify individuals who are experts in European privacy law, such as lawyers, academics, or industry professionals.
  • Reach out to potential mentors and express your interest in learning from their expertise.
  • Schedule regular meetings or calls to discuss privacy-related topics.
  • Seek feedback and guidance on your projects or assignments.
Develop a Privacy Policy for a Website
Creating a privacy policy will provide you with hands-on experience in applying your knowledge of European privacy law to a practical scenario.
Show steps
  • Choose a website or online platform that processes personal data.
  • Identify the types of personal data collected by the website.
  • Draft a privacy policy that complies with the GDPR and other relevant regulations.
  • Review and iterate on your draft to ensure it is clear, comprehensive, and legally sound.
Contribute to Privacy-Focused Open Source Projects
By participating in privacy-focused open source projects, you will gain valuable experience and contribute to the advancement of privacy protection technologies.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Identify open source projects that focus on privacy protection.
  • Choose a project that aligns with your interests and skills.
  • Review the project's documentation and codebase.
  • Identify areas where you can contribute, such as bug fixes, feature enhancements, or documentation improvements.
  • Submit your contributions to the project and engage with the community.

Career center

Learners who complete Privacy in Europe will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Technology Lawyer
Technology lawyers are responsible for advising clients on a range of legal issues related to technology, including data protection and privacy. This course can provide Technology Lawyers with a deep understanding of the European legal framework for privacy protection, which can be essential for advising clients on compliance with European data protection laws. The course also covers the key legal elements of the GDPR, which is the most comprehensive data protection law in the world.
Privacy Consultant
Privacy consultants help businesses to develop and implement privacy policies and procedures. This course can provide Privacy Consultants with a comprehensive understanding of the European legal framework for privacy protection, which is essential for advising businesses on compliance with European data protection laws. The course also covers the key legal elements of the GDPR, and how to use it to protect personal data and comply with privacy regulations.
Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts are responsible for protecting an organization's computer systems and data from unauthorized access or attack. This course can provide Information Security Analysts with a deep understanding of the European legal framework for privacy protection. This can be essential for understanding the legal implications of implementing and enforcing data security measures, and for ensuring that these measures comply with European data protection laws.
Compliance Officer
Compliance officers are responsible for ensuring that an organization complies with all applicable laws and regulations. This course can provide Compliance Officers with a comprehensive understanding of the European legal framework for privacy protection, which is essential for ensuring that an organization complies with European data protection laws.
Risk Manager
Risk managers are responsible for identifying, assessing, and managing risks to an organization. This course can provide Risk Managers with an understanding of the legal risks associated with data protection and privacy, which is essential for managing these risks effectively. The course also covers the key legal elements of the GDPR, which can be used to develop risk management strategies that comply with European data protection laws.
Data Protection Officer
Data protection officers are responsible for ensuring that an organization complies with all applicable data protection laws and regulations. This course can provide Data Protection Officers with a comprehensive understanding of the European legal framework for privacy protection, which is essential for fulfilling their role effectively. The course also covers the key legal elements of the GDPR, which is the most comprehensive data protection law in the world.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity analysts are responsible for protecting an organization's computer systems and data from unauthorized access or attack. This course can provide Cybersecurity Analysts with a understanding of the legal implications of implementing and enforcing data security measures, which is essential for ensuring that these measures comply with European data protection laws.
Data Analyst
Data analysts are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to provide insights to businesses. This course can provide Data Analysts with an understanding of the legal framework for privacy protection in Europe, which is essential for ensuring that data is collected, analyzed, and interpreted in a manner that complies with European data protection laws.
Software Engineer
Software engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. This course can provide Software Engineers with an understanding of the legal framework for privacy protection in Europe, which is essential for ensuring that software applications comply with European data protection laws. The course also covers the key legal elements of the GDPR, which can be used to develop software applications that comply with European data protection laws.
Product Manager
Product managers are responsible for developing and managing products. This course can provide Product Managers with an understanding of the legal framework for privacy protection in Europe, which is essential for ensuring that products comply with European data protection laws. The course also covers the key legal elements of the GDPR, which can be used to develop products that comply with European data protection laws.
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns. This course can provide Marketing Managers with an understanding of the legal framework for privacy protection in Europe, which is essential for ensuring that marketing campaigns comply with European data protection laws. The course also covers the key legal elements of the GDPR, which can be used to develop marketing campaigns that comply with European data protection laws.
Sales Manager
Sales managers are responsible for managing sales teams and developing sales strategies. This course can provide Sales Managers with an understanding of the legal framework for privacy protection in Europe, which is essential for ensuring that sales activities comply with European data protection laws. The course also covers the key legal elements of the GDPR, which can be used to develop sales strategies that comply with European data protection laws.
Project Manager
Project managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing projects. This course can provide Project Managers with an understanding of the legal framework for privacy protection in Europe, which is essential for ensuring that projects comply with European data protection laws. The course also covers the key legal elements of the GDPR, which can be used to develop project plans that comply with European data protection laws.
Legal Assistant
Legal assistants provide administrative and legal support to lawyers. This course can provide Legal Assistants with an understanding of the legal framework for privacy protection in Europe, which is essential for assisting lawyers with cases involving data protection and privacy. The course also covers the key legal elements of the GDPR, which can be used to assist lawyers with drafting legal documents and advising clients on data protection and privacy matters.
Paralegal
Paralegals provide legal support to lawyers. This course can provide Paralegals with an understanding of the legal framework for privacy protection in Europe, which is essential for assisting lawyers with cases involving data protection and privacy. The course also covers the key legal elements of the GDPR, which can be used to assist lawyers with drafting legal documents and advising clients on data protection and privacy matters.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Privacy in Europe.
Provides a practical guide to the role of the data protection officer. It useful resource for anyone who wants to understand the responsibilities of a data protection officer under the GDPR.
This journal provides regular updates on the latest developments in privacy and data protection law. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date on the latest legal issues affecting privacy.
This journal provides a forum for the discussion of international data privacy law issues. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the global legal framework for privacy protection.
This website provides information on the Council of Europe's work on data protection. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the Council of Europe's role in promoting privacy protection.
This website provides information on the European Data Protection Board's work on data protection. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the Board's role in promoting privacy protection.
This website provides information on the United Kingdom Information Commissioner's Office's work on data protection. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the Commissioner's role in promoting privacy protection.

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