Course Topics
The course will be structured around the following thematic modules: 1. An introduction to law. 2. The constitutional foundations of the right to information, communication and freedom of expression, and the limits thereof. 3. The right to report news, the right to criticise and the right to satire. 4. Journalism, professional ethics and press regulation, including with regard to online news. 5. Entertainment and cinema. 6. Internet regulation: digital platforms, intermediary liability, the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act, and the regulation of influencers. 7. Hate speech, disinformation, fake news and online content moderation. 8. Radio and television, audiovisual media services and pluralism of information. 9. Protection of privacy, personal data protection and the right to be forgotten. 10. Institutional communication, administrative transparency and access to information. 11. Government bodies, independent authorities and oversight bodies within the information system. 12. Artificial intelligence, the AI Act and new challenges for freedom of information and communication.

Teaching format
Lessons take the form of lectures and practical sessions, combining traditional teaching methods with a ‘learning by doing’ approach. Regular attendance is recommended, as it promotes a more thorough understanding of the topics through classroom discussion and the critical analysis of real-life case studies.

Educational objectives
Knowledge and understanding - Knowledge of the fundamental principles governing the law of information, communication and the media. - Understanding of the constitutional, national and European framework governing freedom of expression, the right to information and the related limitations. - Knowledge of the legal framework governing the main means and channels of communication, with particular reference to the press, audiovisual media, digital platforms and artificial intelligence. - Understanding of the main legal issues relating to the protection of individuals, privacy and personal data in the digital ecosystem. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding - Ability to identify and interpret the relevant legislative and case-law sources relating to information and communication. - Ability to apply the principles and legal concepts studied to the analysis of specific cases concerning traditional and digital media. - Ability to assess the appropriate balance between freedom of information, the protection of individual rights and the public interests involved. Independence of judgement - Ability to critically analyse the main legal issues relating to information, communication and the media, formulating independent assessments based on statutory sources and case-law guidelines. - Ability to understand the impact of technological innovations and European regulation on the evolution of the information system. Communication skills - Ability to explain the main legal concepts of information and communication law clearly and using appropriate legal terminology. - Ability to develop coherent legal arguments and to participate in discussions on issues relating to the course topics. Learning skills - Ability to independently locate and use legislative, case-law and doctrinal sources to explore the topics covered in greater depth. - Ability to independently keep one’s knowledge up to date in relation to developments in national and European legislation on information, communication and digital technologies.

Assessment
Written examination with open-ended questions (100 per cent of the final mark). For students attending classes: 1. active participation in tutorials (33 per cent of the final mark); 2. final written examination with multiple-choice and short-answer questions (67 per cent of the final mark).

Evaluation criteria
Answers to the questions will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria: - Relevance and accuracy in relation to the question; - Completeness and critical understanding; - Clarity of presentation and appropriate use of legal language; - Ability to present a case; - Independent judgement and the ability to apply acquired knowledge.

Required readings

G. Gardini, Le regole dell'informazione. Pluralismo e libertà nell'era dell'intelligenza artificiale, Torino, Giappichelli, 2024.

Supplementary readings

1) G. Avanzini, G. Matucci, L. Musselli (a cura di), Informazione e media nell'era digitale, Milano, Giuffrè, 2023 (spec. Parte II, Capitolo III e Capitolo VI; Parte III, Capitolo II);

2) M.E. Bucalo, M. Caporale, A. Sterpa (a cura di), Diritto pubblico di Internet, Napoli, Editoriale Scientifica, 2024 (spec. Capitoli V, VI e VII);

3) Autorità per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni (AGCOM), Relazione annuale 2025 (disponibile sul sito dell'AGCOM);

4) Garante per la protezione dei dati personali, Relazione annuale 2025 (disponibile sul sito del Garante).

Further information
If you have any specific enquiries, please contact the lecturer at the relevant email address.