Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/internetgiants
Exploring the Legal Framework of Technology
In a world that is increasingly driven by technology, understanding the legal and economic frameworks surrounding major media platforms is more critical than ever. Coursera offers a fascinating course titled “Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms” that dives deep into these topics over seven weeks.
Despite the fact that this particular course was launched in July 2015 and has not been updated since, it remains a compelling foundation for understanding the relationship between law, media, and technology. The course explores how significant media platforms like Microsoft and Google navigate the intricate landscape of legal challenges, antitrust regulations, and economic growth.
Course Syllabus Overview
The syllabus is comprehensive, beginning with an introductory module that sets the stage for the historical and economic context of media platforms. Key topics include:
- Microsoft: The Desktop vs. The Internet – Analyzing Microsoft’s rise, dominance, and the various antitrust cases it faced.
- Google Emerges (and the World Responds) – Understanding Google’s journey from a startup to a dominant force in the tech industry.
- Smartphones – Exploring the emergence of mobile platforms, government regulations on spectrum, and the evolution of devices like iPhone and Android.
- Nondiscrimination and Neutrality – Focusing on network neutrality and the principles of an open internet.
- The Day the Music Died? – A detailed history of the evolution of music distribution platforms.
- Video: Listening and Watching – Investigating the transition of video delivery methods from traditional TV to streaming services.
- The Mediated Book – Understanding the digital library landscape and the impact of companies like Google and Amazon.
The final module encompasses a course review, alongside an experimental aspect encouraging participants to explore new ideas.
Target Audience
This course is ideal for individuals interested in media law, economics, and technology. It caters to students, legal professionals, and anyone curious about the evolution of digital platforms and their regulations.
Final Thoughts
While it’s essential to note that the course hasn’t been updated since its launch, its historical context and foundational framework offer invaluable insights. If you’re looking to understand how major media platforms operate within legal boundaries and the economic implications of their actions, this course is certainly worthy of consideration.
I recommend this course for those who are keen on dissecting the intricate relationship between law, technology, and economics, especially in the context of platforms that shape our media landscape today.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/internetgiants