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Current Issues in Network Neutrality

Future Offerings

Current Issues in Network Neutrality (4003): Net neutrality means you get to decide what you do online: you get to choose what sites to visit, what apps to use, what videos to watch. It prevents companies like AT&T, Comcast, or T-Mobile that connect you to the internet from blocking, slowing down, or speeding up specific sites and apps, or from charging websites for access to their subscribers. Through readings, discussions, and guest speakers, this class explores current net neutrality controversies in the U.S. and around the world. We will discuss questions such as: 1. Your video is grainy even though you have a 5G plan. Is the network congested, or is your internet provider slowing video to push you toward a pricier plan? 2. Some plans let you stream Spotify without using your data, but your favorite podcast still counts against your cap. Is this helping people on tight budgets, or is your internet provider picking winners? Does it matter whether this happens in São Paulo or in San Francisco? 3. Your Netflix keeps buffering. League of Legends lags. Your internet provider blames Netflix and Riot Games. They claim the internet provider is deliberately creating bottlenecks to squeeze money out of them. Who is right? 4. 5G networks can slice internet traffic into fast lanes and slow lanes. Who should decide which apps get prioritized? Internet providers, the apps themselves, or you? You'll analyze competing arguments and develop your own position on whether and how these issues should be regulated. Open to law students and students from other departments. No technical background required. Elements used in grading: Class participation, attendance, final writing assignment. Students are expected to attend all sessions of the class and participate in the class discussion. CONSENT APPLICATION: To apply for this course, students must complete a Consent Application Form available at SLS Registrar https://registrar.law.stanford.edu/.

Sections

Current Issues in Network Neutrality | LAW 4003 Section 01 Class #28388

  • 2 Units
  • Grading: Law Honors/Pass/Restrd Cr/Fail
  • Enrollment Limitations: Consent 18
  • Course Category:
    • Intellectual Property & Technology

Past Offerings

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