IE - ECIJA
Digital Law Observatory

Vision and objectives of the Observatory

The IE – ECIJA Digital Law Observatory was created with the goal of exploring and researching the different legal dimensions and implications of the digital economy. The Observatory aims to become a platform for legal and academic research and dissemination within this new legal framework.

Blockchain, XaaS, Web3, digitalization of the senses, artificial intelligence, biohacking, the metaverse, etc., are just some of the new challenges that put our legal system to the test every day. Though regulations have adapted to enable these factors to be integrated into daily life, it’s essential to ensure that they are safe spaces.

Now, more than twenty years later, the consolidation and convergence of different types of technology are creating a new paradigm, giving rise to new business models and social practices that our legal system will need to address. The recent Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act are prime examples of the constant updating of legislation. European lawmakers are also finalizing future regulations in the fields of cryptoassets and artificial intelligence.

The Observatory also examines how future legislative changes affect the protection of digital users, while continuing to promote innovation and creativity.

Equally, the IE – ECIJA Digital Law Observatory studies the technological changes that are already transforming the legal sector through legaltech tools, bringing efficiency and cost savings to benefit practitioners and teachers of law.