Dark Patterns, Deceptive Design, and the Law - AI's Hidden Influence on Our Digital Experience

This book provides essential insights on dark patterns and AI-powered deceptive design for anyone who wants to understand and challenge the pervasive influence of these hidden forces shaping our digital experiences. These hidden design strategies-from personalised user interface triggers to sophisticated backend systems-are often used to manipulate user behaviour in ways that benefit businesses at the expense of users. With advanced profiling driven by AI, these deceptive techniques can tailor digital environments to each user, raising significant questions about privacy, control, and the boundaries of digital design. The book examines the response of regulators, from the GDPR, Digital Services Act, and AI Act in the EU to emerging frameworks in the USA, Brazil, and India. Through real-world examples, it explains how these laws fail to address deceptive design practices and explores the implications for privacy, autonomy, and consumer protection in the digital age. By uncovering the complex layers of modern deceptive design, the book equips readers with the knowledge to recognise these tactics and consider their impact on user choice and trust. It is essential reading for legal professionals, digital rights advocates, designers, and anyone invested in fair digital practices.

About the author

Mark Leiser, formerly of Vrije Universiteit-Amsterdam and Leiden University, the Netherlands, is an expert specialising in digital, legal, and platform regulation. In addition to consultancy work, he helps run the deceptive.design website (formerly darkpatterns.org).

Product details

• Authors: Mark Leiser
• Publisher: Hart Publishing
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Release: 21.08.2025
• EAN: 9781509987108
• ISBN: 978-1-5099-8710-8
• No. of pages: 320
• Subjects: Social sciences, law, business > Law > International law, foreign law; COMPUTERS / User Interfaces, LAW / Computer & Internet, LAW / Consumer, Behavioural economics, comparative law, Ethical & social aspects of IT, User interface design & usability, Privacy law, Data Protection Law, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Economics / Social & Behavioral, Consumer Protection Law, User interface design and usability, IT and Communications law / Postal laws and regulations, IT & Communications law