• Fundamentals of privacy and surveillance in the digital society • Analysis of surveillance concepts presented in George Orwell’s 1984 and their relation to modern digital systems • Current technological developments in the context of digital surveillance (e.g., data collection, tracking, profiling, algorithmic decision-making) • Technical mechanisms for privacy protection, including encryption, anonymization, and privacy-by-design approaches • Societal and legal frameworks of data protection and privacy • Critical analysis of selected examples of digital surveillance in governmental and commercial contexts • Evaluation of opportunities and risks of digital technologies for individuals and society • Methodical engagement with scientific literature as well as structured discussion and presentation of results • Interdisciplinary consideration of technical, societal, and ethical aspects of digital surveillance

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module, students have a fundamental understanding of current privacy challenges in modern digital systems. They are able to explain key concepts and mechanisms for privacy protection and place them in the context of contemporary technological developments. Furthermore, they can critically relate the surveillance scenarios described in George Orwell’s 1984 to today’s digital infrastructures and reflect on their societal implications. Students can analyze and compare technical and societal approaches to privacy protection and evaluate their effectiveness. In addition, they have developed the ability to discuss opportunities and risks of digital surveillance in a differentiated manner and to formulate and justify their own arguments.

Assessment

• Presentation, 20 minutes (40%) • Written report, 15-20 pages (40%) • Active participation in seminar course (20%)

Literature (1)

Orwell, G. (1949). 1984. Secker & Warburg

Modules

Privacy, Surveillance, and Digital Society

Contents

Learning outcomes

Assessment