The 12 Best Computing Law Books

In this day and age, technology has become integral to our lives. However, understanding the legal implications of computing can be a daunting task for many people. This article recommends several books that provide insight into how laws related to computers are changing and evolving in response to new technologies. These titles cover various aspects of computing law from data security concerns to cybercrimes; offering readers an opportunity to explore these topics in depth with expert analysis and engaging narratives.

1. Internet Law: Cases & Problems
   
   James Grimmelmann
   Published in 2022
   
   

   Internet Law: Cases & Problems is an up-to-date and concise book that provides a comprehensive overview of the subject. Containing clear case editing, focused questions and topical problems, this textbook covers all aspects of Internet law in just enough detail for a 3 credit survey course. It contains technical mini essays to give context on topics such as network neutrality and telecommunications regulation. This edition also includes updated cases and materials on government moderation of social media, copyright in embedded images and recreational drone operation as well as new primers on cookies and cloud technology. Reviews show customers are satisfied with its quality overall – despite some typos scattered throughout – making it an excellent choice for studying internet law.

2. Oxford Handbook of Ethics of AI
   
   Markus Dubber, Frank Pasquale, Sunit Das
   Published in 2021
   
   

   This book, published by Oxford University Press and edited by experts in the field of AI ethics, offers an authoritative overview of a rapidly changing area. It provides readers with detailed analyses on topics such as moral agency, individual and collective welfare and democratic decision-making related to autonomous systems. Further discussions explore how current applications of machine learning algorithms can be constrained normatively within everyday medical practice. In addition, it considers potential status for AIs as conscious entities that may come along with rights and responsibilities. The volume is comprehensive yet accessible due to its clear structure; featuring contributions from prominent scholars, this handbook serves as a valuable resource for both students and researchers alike who are interested in understanding tasks requiring intelligence – whether human or AI based.

3. Data Protection: A Practical Guide to UK Law
   
   Peter Carey
   Published in 2020
   
   

   Data Protection: A Practical Guide to UK Law, now in its sixth edition, is an indispensable reference for all those dealing with data protection issues. It covers significant developments and offers extensive analysis of the impact of Brexit on relevant law. Compiled by experienced contributors from practice, this book provides a comprehensive overview which would be valuable to compliance departments across public and private sectors as well as legal professionals, company secretaries, HR Officers and IT specialists. Its clear style makes it easily accessible while still offering intense detail; readers will benefit greatly from having such thorough yet concise advice at their fingertips. Without doubt this guide deserves recognition as one of the best resources available on UK data protection law – perfect for staying up-to-date with current legislation or developing further understanding beyond basic requirements.

4. Token Economy: How the Web3 reinvents the Internet
   
   Shermin Voshmgir
   Published in 2020
   
   

   This second edition of Token Economy, originally published in June 2019, provides an informative overview of the Web3 and its potential implications. It outlines the fundamental building blocks such as cryptography and user-centric digital identities that are necessary for decentralization to occur. Furthermore, this book explores tokens – often referred to as cryptocurrencies – which can represent anything from assets to access rights. Additionally it delves into emerging concepts like decentralized finance (DeFi), asset tokens, privacy token systems and even stablecoins. This interdisciplinary approach tackles blockchain technology with admirable ease while contextualizing socio-economic implications related to money economics, governance & DeFi. The author does a great job at summarizing existing knowledge about blockchain networks whilst offering insight on how these protocols could power future barter economies. A must read for those looking to understand what’s behind ‘crypto’ and how it might shape our lives going forward!

5. The Equality Machine
   
   Orly Lobel
   Published in 2022
   
   

   The Equality Machine by Orly Lobel is an essential read for those seeking to understand today’s digital world. By offering a thought-provoking and intriguing analysis of the opportunities and discrimination generated from new technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), Lobel encourages readers to reframe problems in constructive ways. This book provides a refreshing counterbalance to alarmist commentary about AI lapses while masterfully demonstrating how we can direct technology for good with vivid examples ranging from labor markets to dating platforms. The Equality Machines incisive analysis will change the debate surrounding techology and restore human agency over our values – making this eye opening work one that cannot be put down. An enthusiastic yet measured argument makes this book ideal for both personal reading lists as well as professional, governmental, community, and academic library Science & Technology collections; it should not be missed!

6. How to Measure Anything in Cybersecurity Risk
   
   Douglas W. Hubbard, Richard Seiersen, Stuart McClure, Daniel E. Geer Jr.
   Published in 2016
   
   

   In How to Measure Anything in Cybersecurity Risk, Douglas Hubbard and Richard Seiersen provide an informative guide on how to better protect your data from cyber threats. They reveal the flaws of traditional “risk management” approaches and present alternative techniques that can help you improve security. The authors explain which risk assessment methods are actually more damaging than being without any protection at all, as well as which strategies should be implemented for maximum effectiveness. Through detailed advice and accessible language, this book provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of how best to measure cybersecurity risks using quantitative processes, approaches and techniques – arming them with the knowledge needed to stay one step ahead of malicious hackers. This is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to ensure their organization remains safe from digital attacks by staying informed about current trends in cyber defense.

7. Data and Goliath
   
   Bruce Schneier
   Published in 2016
   
   

   In Data and Goliath: The Hidden Battles to Collect Your Data and Control Your World, Bruce Schneier provides an insightful overview into the world of privacy and security. He reveals how corporations track individuals’ purchasing patterns and how governments use surveillance as a tool for discrimination, censorship, and intimidation. Throughout this engaging read, Schneier demonstrates that although technology offers convenience it can come at the expense of our personal freedom. In order to help combat this loss in privacy he outlines practical steps we can take to reform government programs and protect individual rights. With its vivid examples from everyday life combined with technical insights into digital systems, this book is sure to leave readers questioning their relationship with technology while providing them with useful tips on protecting their data.

8. The Mastermind: Drugs. Empire. Murder. Betrayal.
   
   Evan Ratliff
   Published in 2019
   
   

   The Mastermind: Drugs. Empire. Murder. Betrayal is an incredible true story of the decade-long quest to bring down Paul Le Roux, a mysterious and dangerous Internet enabled criminal mastermind who merged ruthlessness with technological savvy like no other before him. Award winning investigative journalist Evan Ratliff spent four years piecing together this intricate puzzle by chasing Le Roux’s empire and his henchmen around the world interviewing hundreds and uncovering thousands of documents along the way, resulting in a riveting account of a crime boss built for the digital age that has earned praise from all quarters including The New York Times Book Review, NPR, Evening Standard and Kirkus Reviews as one of their best books of 2020. From El Chapo to Edward Snowden and Killers Of The Flower Moon author David Grann; this wholly engrossing tale joins these worlds in a disturbing yet memorable fashion while offering readers an unforgettable insight into international gangs controlled by tech-savvy overlords filled with high stakes gamesmanship at its very darkest level

9. STUFF HAPPENS: H.O.P.E. Anyway
   
   Gloria Brintnall
   Published in 2019
   
   

   In her new nonfiction narrative, “Stuff Happens: H.O.P.E. Anyway”, Gloria Britnall bravely opens up about the dark times she faced when FBI agents arrived at her door with her husband – a pastor – in tow and life took an unexpected turn for the worse. With vivid detail and inspiring candor, this book offers more than just an insider’s look into heartbreak; it is a story of how to handle grief while holding onto hope even during difficult circumstances. Pastor Dan and Emily Klotz call this novel “a powerful faith-filled testimony” which will provide readers with useful insight on how they can make it through their own struggles with joy and positivity intact. This engaging read is sure to captivate all who pick it up as its message of resilience encourages us all not only to survive tough situations but also learn from them along the way

10. Speech Police: The Global Struggle to Govern the Internet
    
    David Kaye
    Published in 2019
    
    

    David Kaye’s book, Speech Police: The Global Struggle to Govern the Internet, is a comprehensive and insightful examination of how we can protect freedom of expression online without giving authoritarian regimes power over content criticism. Drawing on his experience as UN Special Rapporteur on Free Expression, he provides an in-depth analysis of strategies employed by governments and private companies to regulate social media. He also introduces us to journalists, activists and moderators whose stories help readers understand both sides of this important debate. With clear prose and vivid reporting from behind the scenes meetings at Facebook or European Commission negotiations – plus references from notable authors like Cory Doctorow – this book offers crucial insights into one of humanity’s most consequential free speech debates. It is an essential contribution for anyone looking to gain insight into managing digital platforms responsibly while maintaining our commitment to free speech.

11. Predict and Surveil: Data, Discretion, and the Future of Policing
    
    Sarah Brayne
    Published in 2020
    
    

    Predict and Surveil: Data, Discretion, and the Future of Policing by Sarah Brayne is a must-read for those interested in law enforcement’s use of big data. It offers an insider look at how police departments employ sophisticated analytics to deploy resources, identify suspects, conduct investigations – all with potentially powerful consequences on civil liberties and social morality. Through fieldwork with one of the most advanced forces in the world – Los Angeles Police Department – Brayne captures these complex issues that arise from algorithmic control as data usage becomes more widespread across various industries. She discusses potential benefits such as reducing bias and increasing efficiency along with risks like privacy violations, reinforcing existing patterns of inequality or challenging legal rights. This comprehensive book provides invaluable insight into just how influential large scale data collection can be when used for public policing purposes.

12. The Twenty-Six Words That Created the Internet
    
    Jeff Kosseff
    Published in 2019
    
    

    The Twenty-Six Words That Created the Internet by Jeff Kosseff is an informative and illuminating book that reveals how a single law has shaped contemporary life online. It explains Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which was introduced in 1996 to protect online services from lawsuits based on user content, and examines its impact on free speech as well as innovation. Through his keen eye for laws and background as an award-winning journalist, Kosseff provides readers with a thorough overview of this powerful statute while also assessing it fairly. Exploring institutions supported by this law along with prominent cases decided under it, he vividly brings to life those who created the law and advocated for it. The author’s balanced approach encourages critical reflection about what we can or cannot write, say or do online due to these twenty-six words―and whether they are serving our society effectively or not. An engaging narrative full of insight into modern communication systems, The Twenty Six Words That Created The Internet will stimulate thoughtful discussions amongst all its readers.

Additional resources

Below are some additional useful resources for finding information about computing law:

• Stanford Law School’s Cyberlaw Blog provides timely updates on the latest developments in computing law.
• Electronic Frontier Foundation provides resources on the legal issues surrounding computer technology and digital rights.
• Tech Policy Institute offers research and analysis on the legal issues surrounding computer technology.