Legal Aspects of Cyber Security
Centre of Expertise Cyber Security
Introduction
Established in January 2026, the research group Legal Aspects of Cyber Security (LACS) examines the complex legal and ethical challenges arising from the rapid development of digital technologies and online environments.
The everyday use of digital platforms brings significant risks, ranging from cybercrime and disinformation to hate speech and content that fuels polarization or radicalization. At the same time, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum innovation are reshaping criminal investigations, legal practice, and the broader role of powerful technology companies. These developments have profound implications for society, democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental rights.
About the research group
The research group Legal Aspects of Cyber Security addresses the complex legal and ethical challenges in the cyber domain through forward-looking, practice-oriented research. We examine how new and evolving legal and policy frameworks affect both public and private stakeholders, with a strong emphasis on translating complex regulations into clear, actionable guidance. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, LACS supports organizations in meeting their legal obligations, strengthening accountability, and embedding due diligence in their operations.
Our research is structured around three interconnected themes, closely linked to the teaching curriculum:
1. Cyber Resilience, Regulation & Autonomy
This theme focuses on how organizations and governments can build secure, resilient, and strategically autonomous digital infrastructures in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.
- Cybersecurity regulation and compliance
- Digital and strategic autonomy
2. Responsible AI & Emerging Technologies
This theme examines the development and use of advanced technologies, with a particular focus on AI and future innovations, ensuring they are governed in a lawful, ethical, and accountable way.
- AI governance across the supply chain
- AI in criminal justice and legal practice
- Quantum technology and the law
3. Digital Society, Fundamental Rights & Platform Governance
This theme addresses the societal impact of digitalization, focusing on the protection of fundamental rights and the regulation of data-driven platforms and powerful technology actors.
- Fundamental rights and predictive technologies
- Legal frameworks for risks associated with social media and large-scale data use
- Governance of Big Tech
LACS brings together an international and interdisciplinary team of researchers, combining expertise from multiple legal traditions and academic fields. This diversity enables the research group to provide nuanced insights and practical solutions to the pressing digital challenges shaping our world.
About the professor
dr. Bibi van Ginkel, LLM
Dr. Bibi van Ginkel, LLM, is the Professor of Applied Sciences in Legal Aspects of Cyber Security at the Centre of Expertise Cyber Security (The Hague University of Applied Sciences) since January 2026. She is also an associate fellow at the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism, where she previously worked as programme lead on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism. Trained as an international lawyer, Van Ginkel has extensive experience as a researcher, policy advisor and trainer in international environments. She brings together a wide range of stakeholders to strengthen the exchange of research and knowledge, policy needs, and practical experience. Throughout her career, her research has consistently centered on the critical nexus between security and law.
Linkedin: Bibi van Ginkel, PhD, LLM | LinkedIn
Additional positions
Associate fellow, International Centre for Counter-Terrorism, www.icct.nl
Owner/founder, The Glocal Connection – Platform for Shared Security
Member Advisory Committee on Public International Law (Lid Commissie van Advies inzake Volkenrechtelijke Vraagstukken, Home | Commissie van advies inzake volkenrechtelijke vraagstukken)
Member ‘Raad van Nesteliers’ – Advisory Committee to the Commander of the Royal Marechaussee
Team
Within our research group, researchers, lecturer-researchers and students work closely with practice partners to conduct research. Together they are committed to translating the results of the research -knowledge and insights- into the practice of education and the region.
