Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/internetgiants
In an era where technology is rapidly evolving and reshaping our lives, understanding the legal and economic frameworks that govern these changes is more crucial than ever. Coursera’s course, ‘Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms’, offers a comprehensive exploration of this intersection over a span of seven weeks.
This course dives deep into the relationship between law and technology, particularly focusing on the U.S. legal landscape while drawing comparisons to international laws, especially those in Europe. It provides a historical context, examining how technological advancements have influenced economic growth and cultural evolution.
Course Structure and Content
The course is structured into several modules, each focusing on significant players in the tech industry and their legal challenges:
- Microsoft: The Desktop vs. The Internet – This module traces Microsoft’s journey from startup to tech giant, highlighting key antitrust cases that shaped its trajectory.
- Google Emerges (and the World Responds) – Here, the course examines Google’s rise and the subsequent antitrust investigations it faced in both the U.S. and EU.
- Smartphones – This module discusses the emergence of smartphones and the interplay of government policy and private innovation.
- Nondiscrimination and Neutrality – Focused on network neutrality, this section addresses the ongoing debate surrounding the open Internet.
- The Day the Music Died? – A historical look at music distribution platforms, from phonographs to digital streaming services.
- Video: Listening and Watching – This module covers the evolution of video delivery platforms and the associated copyright issues.
- The Mediated Book – An exploration of digital books and libraries, including significant players like Google and Amazon.
- Course Review – A recap of the key learnings from the course.
- Internet Giants: Experimental – An innovative module that encourages students to explore new ideas and interactions.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is ideal for law students, legal professionals, tech enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the economic implications of media platforms. It provides valuable insights into how law shapes technology and vice versa, making it a must-take for those looking to understand the broader implications of digital media.
Final Thoughts
While the course was launched in 2015 and has not been updated since, it still offers a foundational understanding of the legal and economic issues surrounding major tech platforms. However, prospective students should consider supplementing this course with more recent offerings to stay updated on the latest developments in this fast-paced field.
Overall, ‘Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms’ is a thought-provoking course that encourages critical thinking about the role of technology in our society. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the legal frameworks that govern our digital lives.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/internetgiants