Key facts
UNE unit code: LAW366
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2027
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

With most people now having at least one social media account to connect with family and friends, it’s now a large part of our daily lives.
While it’s fun to share stories, achievements and broadcast the adventures we go on, inevitably the growth in popularity of social media has led to a discussion of how our laws apply to this rapidly changing technology.
The most obvious example of this relates to social media and defamation. Other areas where social media law is increasingly getting attention include privacy, copyright, litigation, and criminal law.
This practical and innovative unit will equip you with the skills and confidence to critique and enhance your individual digital footprint.
In addition, you will gain a firm grounding in a range of legal issues which are relevant to the worldwide prevalence of social media use.
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- critically analyse areas of law which are relevant to the use of social media;
- analyse, synthesise and apply current laws to the social media context;
- review and analyse the effectiveness of current laws relating to the social media context;
- communicate clear, coherent and independent solutions to legal questions about social media; and
- review the use of social media in a professional context.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Critical analysis of social media presence No. Words: 1500 |
| Final Invigilated Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 60% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. No. Words: 2500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Social Media and the Law
ISBN: 9780409355611
George, P., Allen, M., Benson, S., Collins, J., Mattson, J. B., Munsie, J. and Whiley, J., Lexis Nexis 4th ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
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