CYBER SPACE AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Dr Justice Mavedzenge, lawyer, lecturer, Department of Public Law, University of Cape Town
Wednesday 17 January 5.00 pm COURSE FEES R110; Staff and students R55
The world has been experiencing a rapid transformation since the invention and introduction of the computer and the Internet. Today the internet and computers are no longer mere tools for communication but have ushered in a new phenomenon – the ‘virtual world, virtual space or cyber space’. This space constitutes virtual platforms such as social media (including Meta, X and Instagram). It also constitutes databases that are hosted on cloud systems. Some of these databases contain private and personal information. Business and financial transactions are conducted on this space. The emergence of this virtual space and the interaction of human beings in this space has resulted in some human rights becoming more accessible than before the Internet age. But, on the other hand, new and unique threats to human rights have emerged. This course will sensitise participants to some of these dangers (amongst advantages) which the age of the Internet brings to their human rights, including the right to privacy. The lecture will also alert participants to what they can do to protect their rights in the virtual space.
Recommended reading
Jeetendra, P. 2017. Introduction to Cyber Security. Uttarakhand Open University.
Fidler, D.P. 2015. ‘Cyberspace and human rights’ in: Research Handbook on International Law and Cyberspace, chapter 5, pp. 94–117. Edward Elgar Publishing.
Mavedzenge, J.A. 2020. ‘The Right to Privacy v National Security in Africa: Towards a Legislative Framework Which Guarantees Proportionality in Communications Surveillance’. African Journal of Legal Studies. 12(3–4): pp. 360–390.
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