#DataProtectionHour / Dr. Mark Leiser- Author, Academic, and Consultant; Expert in AI, “dark patterns” and deceptive design

The AmCham Data Protection Task Force has the pleasure to invite members to the January Data Protection Hour, featuring Dr. Mark Leiser, recognised expert in deceptive design, dark patterns, and the regulation of digital manipulation.

The discussion will focus on the evolving EU regulatory approach to dark patterns and deceptive design, with particular attention to how the European Commission’s Digital Omnibus and Simplification process may contribute to strengthening and streamlining the regulation of manipulative digital practices. Drawing on his extensive academic research and forthcoming book, Dr. Leiser will explore why the Omnibus initiative represents a positive step forward and how it can enhance regulatory clarity and effectiveness in this area.

The online event will take place on Janaury 29th  between 13:00 PM-14:00 PM.

Participation is open to AmCham Romania members, free of charge, based on prior online registration. All registered participants will receive the connection details via email ahead of the event.

Participants are encouraged to submit questions for the speaker in advance, by email to Ionela Cuciureanu, Senior Advocacy Lead, at icuciureanu@amcham.ro. Questions received in advance will be addressed with priority.

For any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Meet the speaker

Dr. Mark Leiser holds a PhD in law and is a recognised expert in deceptive design, dark patterns, and the regulation of digital manipulation. A prolific academic, he has published extensively on the intersection of law, technology, and behavioural design.

He is the author of the forthcoming book Dark Patterns, Deceptive Design and the Law (Bloomsbury, 2025), which examines the full spectrum of manipulative design techniques and their legal implications, from user interface practices to deeper systemic and architectural forms of digital manipulation.

Dr. Leiser’s recent work also focuses on the European Commission’s Digital Omnibus and Simplification initiative, analysing its potential to improve regulatory coherence and effectiveness in addressing dark patterns across the EU digital regulatory framework.