Element Six: Digital Law
Learning Objectives:
After this tutorial, you should be able to:
- Define digital law.
- Evaluate the challenges of using digital technology in
the area of digital law.
- Explain how you can apply the element in an educational setting.
- Define digital law.
- Evaluate the challenges of using digital technology in
the area of digital law.
- Explain how you can apply the element in an educational setting.
What is Digital Law?
Digital literacy is defined as the electronic responsibility for actions and deeds (Ribble, 2015). When we speak of digital law, we talk about what is appropriate, inappropriate, legal or even illegal to post or access information online (Ribble, 2015). One area of digital law that affects the youth deals with intellectual property rights and copyright protection.
Issues with Digital Law
One big issue that has impacted young people has been the downloading of music and other protected media illegally. Students at some universities were caught using their school's wi-fi to download music and were fined (Ribble, 2015). Another issue that arises with technology is unintended use such as "sexting." Sexting is the taking and sharing of sexually explicit materials (Ribble, 2015). Sexting has become popular with teens but what they don't realize is that they can be criminally charged with the distribution of child pornography if the person in the picture is under the age of 16. Not only will participating in this activity ruin someone's reputation, but it will follow them for the rest of their life.
Resolving the Issues
New laws are being drafted to address the issues that surface as technology evolves. In the meantime, good digital citizens need to help decide how to address the inappropriate activities as they occur. It is important that administrators provide teachers and students with resources and guidance on what is legal and illegal when it comes to using technology (Ribble, 2015). A good way for schools to learn about the legalities surrounding technology is to work with local law enforcement agencies, who are knowledgeable about the issues.
NPR Radio Broadcasts
NPR BROADCAST #1
October 7, 2015
When Social Media Fuels Gang Violence
4:38
This NPR broadcast discusses a practice called "cyber banging" where young people use social media platforms to gang bang, which leads to fights and even death.
References
Ribble, M. (2015). Digital citizenship in schools: Nine elements all students should know. Eugene, OR: International
Society for Technology in Education.
Society for Technology in Education.