Stanford Technology Law Review (STLR) 2

The Stanford Technology Law Review (STLR) strives to present well-rounded analyses of the legal, business, and policy issues that arise at the intersection of intellectual property law, science and technology, and industry. STLR publishes exclusively online, providing timely coverage of emerging issues to its readership base of legal academics and practitioners.

STLR publishes feature articles, working papers, and perspectives from scholars, distinguished practitioners, and students. Membership in STLR provides students with interests in technology the opportunity to work with noted scholars in their fields of interest, develop strong writing and editing skills, and gain experience with Internet publishing technology. As a relatively new and growing organization, STLR also affords unparalleled opportunities for leadership and a chance to leave a legacy at Stanford Law School.

Current Issue: Volume 24, Issue 2

Africa in the Information Age: Challenges, Opportunities, and Strategies for Data Protection and Digital Rights

Stanford Technology Law Review

This Note argues that the contemporary data protection landscape on the African continent must be tailored to better address the needs of young, vibrant, entrepreneurial societies and resonate with the values therein. Toward this end, this Note issues recommendations aimed at creating effective legal and extralegal enforcement mechanisms. The implementation of these recommendations stands to position the continent well in the years to come and amplify the voices of African nations in the evolving global dialogue. Brief case studies from six countries are used to highlight the divergent development of data protection laws across the continent while simultaneously underscoring how common predomnant influences—including past and present vestiges of colonialism—have left Africa short of effectiveness on this front. Following this is an analysis of the diverse obstacles faced by the public sector and the private sector. Then, a comparative law theory known as the “transplant effect” is introduced to explain impediments observed in the proliferation of data protection laws. Africa's place in global geopolitics is then highlighted, and the ways in which international players are exploiting Africa from a data privacy standpoint are addressed. Strategies for stakeholders to address threats while maximizing growth opportunities, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, are evaluated in context. Emphasis is placed on targeted action at the multinational, national, and local levels in order for societies to realize robust and comprehensive ecosystems that safeguard human rights and promote dignity in the digital space.

Volume 24

Past Volumes

2020-21 Leadership

Editors-in-Chief
Trillium Chang
Chris Fu

Managing Editor
Tyler McClure

Executive Editors
Olivia Malone
Alex Evelson

Articles Editors
Isabella Corbo
Matthew Dhaiti

Online Editor
Sam Henick

Symposium Chairs
Justin Garfinkle
Matt Krantz

Undergraduate Articles Committee
Darius Namazi

Undergraduate Chair
Nivedha Soundappan

Contact

Mailing Address
Stanford Technology Law Review
Crown Quadrangle, Stanford Law School, Stanford University
Stanford, California 94305

Email
Contact the editors via email at STLR@law.stanford.edu. Please note that we only accept submissions electronically, preferably through ScholasticaHQ.