Middlesex University Dubai Explores the Challenges, Evolving Trends and New Technologies That Are Driving Digital Privacy

Offering degrees in relevant and future-focused topics such as Cybersecurity and Data Science, as well as an extensive LLB British Qualifying Law Degree for budding legal professionals, the renowned institution provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the ever-changing legal landscape of digital privacy.

Always ahead of future technologies and industry changes, Middlesex University Dubai is honoured to play a leading role in educating the next generation of law and technology experts in the complexities of digital privacy.

Indeed, digital privacy is an issue that is becoming increasingly important and impactful with each passing year. Findings from technology company Cisco indicate that 98% of companies are actively reporting digital privacy findings to their directors, and that 92% of businesses believe that they should be doing more to reassure customers that their data is safe. Middlesex University Dubai therefore remains committed to providing students with the skills and up-to-date legal and technical knowledge that they need to excel in this crucial and relevant area.

Professor Fehmida Hussain, Head of Computing Engineering and Informatics at Middlesex University Dubai, highlights the many challenges that are involved with digital privacy. While the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - considered the toughest privacy and security law in the world – and other equally robust new data protection laws are making many companies more aware of cyber threats, the experienced IT professional is seeing other important issues and considerations that subsequently come into play.

“The world of digital privacy faces multiple challenges. Digital data, cross-border operations, infrastructure and legacy systems all differ greatly across the world, and they are all highly complex, too. Lack of expertise in these areas can add further difficulties, as can the way that digital privacy interplays with other regulations,” she says.

“For example, the "right to be forgotten", or the right for people to have their data totally erased, poses challenges for industries that rely on long-term data storage for regulatory compliance, historical records, or business analytics.”

Professor Fehmida details how the extraordinary technological advancements of the last few years have made digital privacy an essential consideration for every business and individual.

“Technology is transforming our lives like never before, and the amount of data that humans and machines generate is growing exponentially. This makes data privacy and security more important than ever. The million-dollar question remains: ‘how much privacy are we willing to give up in the name of security?’”.

Professor Fehmida continues by explaining that many new trends are appearing in data privacy regulatory frameworks. This includes responsible AI policies and increasing use of privacy-enhancing, blockchain and distributed ledger technologies.

Digital privacy therefore remains a key focus of the university’s law and technology degrees, including dedicated programmes in Cybersecurity, Data Science, Business Computing, Data Analytics, LLM Legal Practice (SQE Pathway) and more.

Graduates of Middlesex’s MSc Data Science postgraduate degree are sure to be highly sought after by any company looking to maximise data findings, while the university’s MSc Cybersecurity programme covers the full technicalities of network security. Exploring how to critically evaluate security policies and regulations and propose new measures to improve security, it offers intensive practical training and a profound theoretical education in digital privacy.

“The ethical, legal, professional and social implications of technology are embedded in the curriculum of all our Computer Engineering, Information Technology and Cybersecurity programmes,” adds Professor Fehmida.

“Our graduates are the world’s future law and technology professionals. It is our responsibility to provide them with all the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the turbulent landscape of digital privacy.”

Professionals specialising in the legal aspects of digital privacy are required to stay abreast of all the many technological advancements happening in the industry. For instance, the recent popularity of AI technologies has posed many new challenges, with a survey by information technology company Gartner reporting that 40% of organisations have suffered some form of AI privacy breach. These recent developments have initiated the creation of a number of new data privacy legislations, including The UAE Data Protection Law. Striking the perfect balance between personal privacy and technological innovation, this progressive legal framework allows companies to continue to embrace evolving technologies, whilst simultaneously protecting consumer data and each individual's right to privacy. Introduced in January 2022, it has so far proved tremendously successful.

Daphne Demetriou, Campus Programme Coordinator of Postgraduate Law and Politics, explains how the legal side to digital privacy is just as complex and interesting as the technological side.

top of the laws and legislations surrounding digital privacy is essential for success in the legal sector, both here in the UAE and across the globe. Our LLB Law and LLM Legal Practice (SQE Pathway) degree programmes thoroughly prepare our students for any cases that involve data protection breaches or security disagreements. Our courses cover relevant subjects to ensure students are equipped to meet these challenges in their professional practice, especially with how digital privacy laws relate to cybersecurity responses in relation to financial, personal or political cybercrime,” she says.

“Digital privacy is a fascinating concept, and it is becoming more crucial with each passing year. We are still accepting applications for our September 2023 intake, and I encourage anyone who is interested in finding out more to visit our website or get in touch to speak to us directly.”

Each Law and Technology programme at Middlesex University Dubai is delivered by a faculty who bring a wealth of global industry experience. The programmes are taught through a mix of practical workshops, private study and project-based learning, while students are granted access to the university’s state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive e-learning tools. Providing hands-on experience and practical modules that have been carefully curated to prepare students for real-life challenges in the workplace, graduates are left feeling well equipped to cope with the ever-changing nature of digital privacy. 

To apply to study at Middlesex University Dubai, please visit www.mdx.ac.ae/september2023.