School of Public Policy 540 - Internet Governance & Info Pol

Spring
2026
01
3.00
Martha Fuentes-Bautista

TU 4:00PM 6:30PM

UMass Amherst
82339
Hasbrouck Lab Add room 109
mfuentes@comm.umass.edu
76819
This class introduces students to actors, institutions and public interest battles fought nationally, regionally, and globally for the control of the Internet. It considers the interaction between law, technological design, and policy solutions in shaping infrastructure, code, and content of the global web. Topics covered in the course include history of Internet policy; the relationship between technical architecture and law; digital inequalities and social inclusion; freedom of expression and intellectual property; surveillance, privacy, and cybersecurity; trade policy, data protection and social media governance in the era of datafication. Readings and online discussions with research partners, policy advocates and experts will expose students to diverse perspectives and first-hand information on these debates.

Open to seniors and graduate students.

Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.