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.
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Stanford Technology Law Review
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.
STLR is not currently accepting student note submissions. Submissions will open again in early 2022 for the spring issue of volume 25.
2021-22 Leadership
Editors-in-Chief
Alexander Evelson
Olivia C. Malone
Managing Editor
Hannah Celeste Hunt
Executive Editors
Kathryn Elise Larkin
Tanner J. Kuenneth
Articles Editors
Sheena Hilton
Jessica A. Seamands
Online Editor
Gregory Ng Yong He
Symposium Chairs
August P. Gweon
Roger Randolph Cain
Undergraduate Chair
Katelyn Chouteau Meylor
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At its core, STLR is devoted to the discovery and transmission of legal knowledge. STLR cannot be limited in its methods and ways of thinking, or confined to one individual’s or a single community’s experiences. To further this mission, we must bring a broad range of ideas and approaches.
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