During six weeks, the following topics will be discussed:

Big Data from a Juridical and Philosophical Perspective
This class will discuss the phenomenon of Big Data and discuss its legal and ethical implications.

Social Networks and the Culture of Connectivity
This class takes an interdisciplinary look at Privacy in technologically mediated communications. The field of Media and Communication Studies looks at digital media as (technological) tools for mediation. Three mutually determining components are explored: artefacts, practices and social arrangements.

Self Tracking
This lecture will explore the relation between the upcoming trend of lifelogging / self-quantification and privacy. Key ethical issues that are connected to these new developments are explained.

Smart Cities & Big Data Analytics
There is an urgent need to involve citizens in decision-making about how their data may be used, and how their individual needs for privacy may be balanced with the needs of their neighbourhoods and cities. How can cities address the governance of big data?

Profiling: Political and/or Security perspectives
New profiling techniques can be used to help ensure security – an important public good. At the same time, such profiling techniques can be very intrusive for individuals who are subjected to profiling. How should we think about and deal with this tension?

The internet and Anonymity
This lecture explores the history and future of anonymity and the internet. It provides an overview of the different strategies in internet culture towards anonymity. Strategies to be discussed are for instance those employed by actors such as Wikileaks, Anonymous, and Snowden.

Privacy 2 is a continuation of Privacy 1 Theoretical Perspectives, Future Challenges, which will be offered from 11 September to 16 October 2024.

Time, location and price

• 5 November - 10 December 2025
• Wednesday from 18:00-21:00 
• Oudemanhuispoort, D1.09
• Costs: € 165 (€ 148 AUV members)

Important to know

• Registration deadline: 23 October 2025
• You can only audit an OUC, which means that you may only attend lectures and cannot attend seminars, take part in the examination, or obtain ECTS credits.
• The location of the lectures may change during the semester. For the current study schedule, please consult the UvA timetable website.

Public programme Humanities

This Open UvA Course is part of the Faculty of Humanities' public programme. Beside Open UvA Courses, the public programme also comprises special lectures and series of courses. The public programme is intended for alumni, employees looking for extra training, and all others who are interested in art, culture, philosophy, language and literature, history and religion.