Outline

Overview

This unit analyses domestic laws in major jurisdictions and international laws to regulate digital trade. Digital Trade is broadly defined to cover traditional e-commerce where tangible products are sold via Internet but delivered offline; more importantly, it also includes modern intangible digital products sold and transmitted electronically online. This unit first surveys relevant statutes and cases in Australia, the US, the EU, and China. Then, it discusses digital trade regulations embodied by major free trade agreements and judicial assistance treaties, or adopted by international organizations such as WTO, APEC, and UN. It covers the following areas: classification of digital products and their treatment, online consumer and privacy protection, law for online platforms/interactive computer service, principles on access to and use of the Internet for digital trade, law to regulate cross-border flow of data, (de)localization of computing facilities, law for blockchain and smart contract, law for digital currency, and dispute resolution (jurisdiction, choice of law and judgment recognition and enforcement). This unit provides an opportunity for graduates to appreciate and assess the legal challenges brought by digital trade and embark on comparing and criticizing diversified solutions adopted by different jurisdictions and international organizations. Refer to the Sydney Law School timetable - https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/4533/pages/postgraduate-lecture-timetable

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	LAWS6252
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jeanne Huang, jeanne.huang@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 13 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Presentation	Presentation (10%) Presentations and a real-time Q&A session	10%	Ongoing	5 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Early feedback task (0%) Multiple choice questions	0%	Week 02 Due date: 04 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 04 Mar 2026	Online multiple choice questions	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	ALTERNATIVE: Capstone Outline Presentation (20%) Presentation about proposed capstone essay	0%	Week 07 Due date: 15 Apr 2026 at 10:00 Closing date: 15 Apr 2026	10 minute presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Problem questions (90%) 2 x Problem solving questions	90%	Week 12 Due date: 18 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 25 May 2026	7000 words (2 x 3500) / 4 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	ALTERNATIVE: Capstone Essay (80%) Capstone Essay for LLM students	0%	Week 12 Due date: 18 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 25 May 2026	7500 words / 4 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Early Feedback task (0%): This unit includes an Early Feedback Task that is designed to provide students with timely insights into their understanding and engagement with the unit content and support students to stay on track for successful completion of the unit.

The Early Feedback Task in this unit is a 3-question multiple choice quiz which will be completed during class in Week 2. It will test students' awareness of basic concepts and house-keeping rules in this unit. This is a non-weighted task and students will be provided with immediate, automated feedback, upon completion of the task.

1. Presentation (10%): Students will present for 5 minutes on a topic chosen from a list made available via Canvas from 11.59pm Monday 9 February 2026 (Sydney, Australia time). Presentations will be followed by a real-time Q&A session. This task is integral to the unit and is designed to closely replicate courtroom, tribunal, public hearing, or company board settings where immediate responses are key. This assessment tests students’ understanding of the subject matter and their ability to think and respond using appropriate discourse on the spot, a crucial skill for future lawyers. When not presenting, students are expected to be able to contribute to the Q&A have completed assigned readings, and prepared possible questions.

2. Problem questions (90%): Students will complete a response to two [2] questions (each worth 45%) relating to a factual scenario. The scenario and questions will be available to students via Canvas from 11.59pm Monday 20 April 2026 (Sydney, Australia time)

Each question is worth 45%.
Students should respond to each of the questions outlining existing laws and industrial standards, possible legal reforms, ethics issues, and policy recommendations etc. in no more than 3,500 words including footnotes, etc. Footnotes with pincites are preferred and a bibliography is not recommended.

This assessment supports learning outcomes listed in the unit outline: critical thinking, applying the black-letter law to real-world questions, and covering key digital trade issues. Responses to the questions should be submitted via Canvas no later than 11:59pm Monday 18 May 2026 (Sydney, Australia time). Further information and instructions will be provided in class/via Canvas.

Alternative Assessment: Capstone (100%) (LLM students only):

1. Capstone Essay (LLM students only) (80%): This unit allows eligible Master of Laws students to select topics related to (1) conflict of laws regarding cross-border flow of data, or (2) laws for digital traceability in cross-border value chains to satisfy their capstone essay requirement.

2. Capstone Outline Presentation (LLM students only) (20%): Students must do a 10-minute presentation about their proposed essay explaining the topic, table of contents, literature review, research methodologies, and the research question that their essay addresses in Week 7.

The capstone must be at least 7,000 words and must not exceed 7,500 words including footnotes, etc. Footnotes with pincites are required and a bibliography is not recommended.

Capstone essays must be submitted via Canvas no later than 11.59pm Monday 18 May 2026 (Sydney, Australia time). Further information and instructions will be provided in class/via Canvas.

Word limit penalty: A piece of assessment that exceeds the prescribed word limit will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment for every 100 words, or part thereof. The total word count for the essay and other written assessments will include the main text, footnotes, acknowledgements of assistance from editors, automated writing tools or generative AI (where use is permitted) and everything you write. Please indicate the number of words on the front page of your submissions.

Referencing: The Sydney Law School expects you to use the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018) for your footnoting style, although you should confirm this with your lecturer. A link to the library website where this is set out comprehensively is available at Referencing and Citation Styles: AGLC4.

Special consideration: Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve alternative tasks, as appropriate.

Assessment requirements to pass a unit of study: A student must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks set out in this Unit of Study in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study. Please note that as the EFT is an early diagnostic tool, this task is not included in the final grade for the unit.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	• Completely answers the question. • Contains striking originality of approach or analysis. • Demonstrates exhaustive or innovative research (where independent research required). • Exceptionally well written, structured and expressed. • Is otherwise exceptional in some way.
Distinction	75 - 84	• Completely answers the question. • Achieves a critical and evaluative approach to the issues. • Content and structure is well organised in support of the argument. • Demonstrates extensive research and analysis to support a well-documented argument. • Generally well expressed and free from errors. • Has a clear structure and is well articulated.
Credit	65 - 74	• Covers main issues fairly well in answering the question. • Contains no significant errors • Demonstrates an attempted critical approach to the issues. • Demonstrates reasonably sound research and analysis in addressing the key issues. • Has a clear structure and reasonably clear expression.
Pass	50 - 64	• Identifies the key issues, but does not follow through with a reasoned argument. • Contains some significant errors. • Displays satisfactory engagement with the key issues. • Offers descriptive summary of material relevant to the question. • Superficial use of material, and may display a tendency to paraphrase. • Demonstrates little evidence of in-depth research or analysis. • Adequate expression. • Overall, demonstrates the minimum level of competence in the assessment and satisfies the requirements to proceed to higher-level studies in the degree or subject area.
Fail	0 - 49	• Does not answer the question. • Contains significant or numerous errors. • Few or no identifiable arguments. • Content that is inappropriate or irrelevant. • Lack of research or analysis. • Difficult or impossible to understand through poor grammar, expression or structure. • Overall, does not demonstrate the minimum level of competence in the assessment.

For more information, please refer to sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The late submission of a piece of assessment, without an approved extension, will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment per calendar day or part thereof.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction class by zoom; Classification of digital products and their treatment	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 02	Classification of digital products and their treatment; Law to regulate the cross-border flow of data	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 03	Law to regulate the cross-border flow of data; Online consumer and privacy protection	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 04	Law for online platforms/interactive computer service; Dispute resolution (jurisdiction, choice of law and judgmental recognition and enforcement)	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 05	Dispute resolution (jurisdiction, choice of law and judgment recognition and enforcement)	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 06	Industry Case Study: Digital traceability in international and cross-industry value chain---UNECE and UN/CEFACT -Address Conflict of Laws and Facilitate Digital Product Passports in Critical Raw Materials Value Chains -UNECE Recommendation 49: Transparency at Scale	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 07	Industry Case Study: Digital traceability in international and cross-industry value chain---UNCITRAL and other international law and standards. -UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records, etc. Q&A, review, and capstone outline presentation; Completion of the student feedback survey for this unit of study	Seminar (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend 70% of classes to satisfy the pass requirements for this unit. Failure to meet this requirement will result in an Absent Fail grade being recorded as the student’s result for this unit (see The University of Sydney Law School Resolutions: Coursework Awards cl 11).

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Reading materials will be available on the Reading List tab on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Critically evaluate international and domestic law, including international standards regulating digital trade.
LO2. Employ advanced legal research skills to critically analyse and evaluate primary legal materials including statute and case law.
LO3. Critically evaluate hypothetical legal problem scenarios in digital trade and apply relevant legal principles to formulate responses.
LO4. Communicate well-structured, logical legal arguments to diverse audiences using clear and concise language and referencing national and international law and standards that regulate digital trade.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes since unit last ran.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

LAWS6251: Legal Issues in Digital Trade

Semester 1a, 2026 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links