Element 6 - Digital Law
SMART Learning Objectives
![Digital Law Learning Objectives](/uploads/7/0/1/9/70199053/published/6.jpg?1495193133)
After reviewing the content in this workshop, you should be able to perform the following:
1. Define Digital Law
2. Explain how to protect yourself from violating digital law
3. Provide examples of appropriate and inappropriate use of digital content
1. Define Digital Law
2. Explain how to protect yourself from violating digital law
3. Provide examples of appropriate and inappropriate use of digital content
![Keyboard and Gavel](/uploads/7/0/1/9/70199053/published/6-digital-law_1.jpg?1495240878)
Digital Law
Overview
Digital Law is defined as personal responsibility for one’s actions and activities online. Examples of digital law include the downloading/use of intellectual property, copyrighted materials, and appropriate/inappropriate communication and image sharing to name a few. Digital law mirrors societal law. This is easily forgotten when downloading copyright media such as music and movies. Inappropriate sexual conduct in the form of sexting and explicit image sharing is another issue that plagues the digital domain. Users are often lured into a false sense of security, but should remember that they leave a digital footprint with every online action. To protect yourself from crossing the line from legal to illegal, it should be understood beforehand what can be downloaded for free, and copyrighted material that requires payment. Remember, if it crosses moral boundaries in society, it most likely crosses them the digital world (Ribble, 2015).
Overview
Digital Law is defined as personal responsibility for one’s actions and activities online. Examples of digital law include the downloading/use of intellectual property, copyrighted materials, and appropriate/inappropriate communication and image sharing to name a few. Digital law mirrors societal law. This is easily forgotten when downloading copyright media such as music and movies. Inappropriate sexual conduct in the form of sexting and explicit image sharing is another issue that plagues the digital domain. Users are often lured into a false sense of security, but should remember that they leave a digital footprint with every online action. To protect yourself from crossing the line from legal to illegal, it should be understood beforehand what can be downloaded for free, and copyrighted material that requires payment. Remember, if it crosses moral boundaries in society, it most likely crosses them the digital world (Ribble, 2015).
![Website Blocked Screen](/uploads/7/0/1/9/70199053/published/6-2.jpg?1495193723)
Connections to Digital Law
Violation of Digital Law is difficult when using Air Force networks. Computer use and online history is closely tracked and monitored. Various websites are blocked due to content type. This poses a problem when trying to access legitimate websites used for product research or supporting information. Restrictions can be lifted for legitimate websites using a permissions process through Air Force communication organizations. Another area of caution when considering digital law is the use of private or instant message applications, such as Microsoft Lync. While legal to use, they are subject to monitoring. This is often overlooked and has caused legal or career problems for those who engage in inappropriate personal dialog.
Violation of Digital Law is difficult when using Air Force networks. Computer use and online history is closely tracked and monitored. Various websites are blocked due to content type. This poses a problem when trying to access legitimate websites used for product research or supporting information. Restrictions can be lifted for legitimate websites using a permissions process through Air Force communication organizations. Another area of caution when considering digital law is the use of private or instant message applications, such as Microsoft Lync. While legal to use, they are subject to monitoring. This is often overlooked and has caused legal or career problems for those who engage in inappropriate personal dialog.
NPR Audio Broadcasts
1. Why Taylor Swift Is Asking Congress to Update Copyright Laws
Aug 8, 2016 – Length: 4:33
Summary: It's an ongoing standoff between musicians and Google's YouTube: Who should be responsible for removing unauthorized copies of songs posted online? (Sydell, 2016).
1. Why Taylor Swift Is Asking Congress to Update Copyright Laws
Aug 8, 2016 – Length: 4:33
Summary: It's an ongoing standoff between musicians and Google's YouTube: Who should be responsible for removing unauthorized copies of songs posted online? (Sydell, 2016).
Link to original broadcast and transcript: http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2016/08/08/487291905/why-taylor-swift-is-asking-congress-to-update-copyright-laws
2. What Legal Recourse Do Victims of Fake News Stories Have
Dec 07, 2016 – Length: 3:57
Summary: Real people hurt by fake news can sue under defamation law. But University of Denver law professor Derigan Silver notes that winning monetary damages doesn't undo the damage to a person's reputation (NPR Staff).
Link to original broadcast and transcript: http://www.npr.org/2016/12/07/504723649/what-legal-recourse-do-victims-of-fake-news-stories-have
References
Ribble, M. (2015). Digital citizenship in schools. Eugene, Or: International Society for Technology in Education.
Staff (NPR) (2016, Dec 07). All Things Considered [Radio Series] National Public Radio. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/2016/12/07/504723649/what-legal-recourse-do-victims-of-fake-news-stories-have
Sydell, L (2016, August 8). All Things Considered [Radio Series] National Public Radio. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2016/08/08/487291905/why-taylor-swift-is-asking-congress-to-update-copyright-laws
Ribble, M. (2015). Digital citizenship in schools. Eugene, Or: International Society for Technology in Education.
Staff (NPR) (2016, Dec 07). All Things Considered [Radio Series] National Public Radio. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/2016/12/07/504723649/what-legal-recourse-do-victims-of-fake-news-stories-have
Sydell, L (2016, August 8). All Things Considered [Radio Series] National Public Radio. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2016/08/08/487291905/why-taylor-swift-is-asking-congress-to-update-copyright-laws