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Rutgers Institute for Information Policy and Law (RIIPL)

Information – its generation, circulation, and application – is transforming social, economic, and political life.  Artificial intelligence, big data analytics, algorithmic systems, encryption and hacking are upending power relationships and settled law.  Information generates wealth in the form of software, pharmaceuticals, media, artificial intelligence, data analytics, biotech, robotics, and many new technologies. Information also generates conflict through disinformation flows, cyberwar, security and privacy breaches, misappropriation, defective data, and new forms of liability.  Scholars and students across disciplines, along with policymakers, businesses, and citizens, are all struggling to understand and shape information age opportunities and challenges.  

RIIPL takes a broad approach to these issues.  RIIPL faculty and fellows are engaged in a wide array of research and policy work concerning the regulation of information flows and their effect on societal flourishing.  We also collaborate with others in computer science, business, media studies, economics, and other disciplines.  Students interested in these topics get up to speed quickly and jump in with cutting-edge research.  We offer incisive and innovative scholarship and events concerning pressing contemporary issues such as:

  • The regulation of digital platforms;
  • Access to and regulation of digital communications networks;
  • Social justice and algorithmic systems;
  • The changing contours of free speech law in a global context;
  • Privacy and security rights and risks;
  • The effect of information laws on innovation;
  • The roles played by intellectual property and competition in various industries including technology, music, and pharmaceuticals;
  • The intersection of emerging technologies and contemporary intellectual property laws;
  • The emerging law of drones, autonomous vehicles, and artificial intelligence;
  • The governance of smart cities and public algorithms. 

Our activities include academic research and thought leadership, public events and conferences, student and faculty blogging, independent testimony and consultations to policymakers and foundations, media interviews and appearances, special projects, an Intellectual Property Law Certificate, and curriculum development and teaching.