What are the implications of digital technologies to citizens’ right to privacy? How can legal frameworks strike a balance between the societal benefits of digital technologies with the consequences of their widespread use upon privacy? Does the balance shift in the context of a public health crisis?

In this seminar, Jonathan Klaaren, Professor of Law at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, will present his recent work on the effects of digitalisation on constitutional privacy with a focus on the health sector and the technologies developed by the government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This work was developed into two papers that were published by Digital Pathways. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session moderated by Emily Jones, Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government.

'New Frontiers of Digital Governance' is an online series by Digital Pathways at Oxford which explores cutting-edge research on the governance of digital technologies. The series brings together leading experts to discuss the real-world policy implications of their work, and provides an opportunity for audience engagement.

Please note: This event will be held online via Zoom. It will also be livestreamed and archived on our YouTube channel. Register below to receive joining instructions.

ABOUT DIGITAL PATHWAYS AT OXFORD

Digital Pathways is a research initiative that aims to reach across the fields of public policy, law, economics, computer science and political science to support informed decision-making on the governance of digital technologies specifically. This knowledge provides the foundations for practical engagement with governments and policymakers, synthesising research into impact-oriented policy advice and building a network of practitioners and experts in digital governance. Subscribe to the Digital Pathways newsletter or follow @DigiPathOxf on Twitter to stay up to date on the programme's research and events.