The conference offered a unique opportunity to address topics that are not normally covered in teaching: where do technological possibilities end and legal responsibility begin? What ethical dilemmas do modern security practices raise? And what are the real-world consequences of cyber attacks?
Law, security, and the moral dimension of the digital world
The program was divided into two main blocks. The first focused on the legal framework and specific impacts of cyber incidents, while the second opened up broader social and ethical questions.
Speakers included Pavel Zeman, former Supreme Public Prosecutor and current European Public Prosecutor for the Czech Republic, who introduced students to the functioning of criminal law in the context of digital crime and international cooperation. The program also featured Martin Richter, who presented specific decision-making situations and legal dilemmas associated with cyber cases, Petr Hummel, who discussed the technical background of ransomware attacks and their impact, and Jan Špindler, who raised the issue of attackers' motivations and the broader context of cyber threats. Petr Šabaka also offered his perspective on ethics and values in the digital environment. It became clear that cyber security is not just a technical problem, but a complex challenge involving law, psychology, values, and social responsibility.
Discussion instead of recording
The conference was designed as a live platform for discussion. The lectures were not recorded, which was a deliberate choice by the organizers—they wanted to encourage openness and an authentic exchange of opinions. Students and teachers actively participated in the debates and asked the speakers specific questions.
"Our goal was to show students that cybersecurity is not just about technology, but also about responsibility, legal contexts, and personal values. We are pleased that we were able to create an environment for open discussion between experts and the younger generation," said event organizer Dr. Jaroslav Burčík from the Department of Telecommunications Engineering at CTU and the NetAcad project.
Initial feedback confirms that it was precisely the combination of technical and legal topics that was most beneficial to participants. Teachers appreciated the high level of expertise of the speakers and the breadth of perspectives on the issues.
A platform for future years
The event showed that high school students are very interested in the complex topics of the digital society. The Faculty of Electrical Engineering at CTU has once again confirmed its role as a place where technology connects with broader social contexts.
According to initial reactions, next year's event could attract even more participants. Cyberspace on the Edge of the Law could thus become a traditional platform for the younger generation to meet experts in the fields of law, security, and technology.
More information about the program and speakers can be found on the NetAcad FEL CTU project website.
