Zihao Li

We propose a paradigm shift toward “Diligent Design”, a proactive, design-embedded regulatory model that integrates legal and technical accountability.

A call for collaboration between lawyers, policymakers, and designers. (6/6)

We also explain why existing frameworks, in data protection, consumer, and competition law, fail to address the problem effectively.

Regulators are trapped in a reactive loop of “proving harm.” (5/n)

Our review bridges that gap. We identify 5 Root Problems driving dark patterns from power asymmetry to attention-seeking business models. And 3 Layers of Harm they cause: Individuals, Markets, and Society itself. (4/n)

We reviewed 65 interdisciplinary studies across Law and HCI. The finding? Scholarship is dangerously fragmented. HCI builds taxonomies. Law assesses new/failed regulations. The two disciplines don’t speak the same language — and rarely speak to each other. (3/n)

Why is the regulation of dark patterns, manipulative interface designs that steer users into unwanted actions, still so ineffective? 🤔

Our paper systematically reviews how Law & HCI have studied dark patterns and uncovers the root causes of regulatory failure. (2/n)

🚨 NEW PUBLICATION ALERT 🚨
Thrilled to share our latest paper (with
@weiweiyi.bsky.social): “Mapping the Scholarship of the Regulation of Dark Patterns” now published in Computer Law & Security Review.

Open Access link: doi.org/10.1016/j.cl...

CREATe's brilliant minds are on the move! This week, our researchers, @ulafurgal.bsky.social and @zihaoli.bsky.social, took the stage at the #SLS annual conference 2026 by The Society of Legal Scholars in Leeds, showcasing their cutting-edge work.👏
We hope the audience enjoyed the show by CREATe!

Copyright and AI in the UK: Opting-In or Opting-Out? Abstract. The interface between copyright law and artificial intelligence (AI) is currently the object of global attention. The UK government’s recent publ

3/3 Transparency requirements, opt-outs, the exception for text and data mining, and equitable remuneration for creatives are among the key issues we analysed in our response to the UK copyright & AI consultation, which has been published in GRUR International (academic.oup.com/grurint/adva...)

We hope this paper serves as a basis for a meaningful evaluation of the GDPR, and provides empirical evidence that may assist other jurisdictions in assessing the effectiveness of transplanting GDPR-inspired rules into their own data protection frameworks.

Our paper makes a three-fold contribution (1) a systematic mapping & critical analysis of the empirical evidence (2) a taxonomy of evidence for GDPR evaluation & review (3) reflections on the methodological deficits for more coordinated future research agenda. (5/n)

Particularly in recent evaluations, at least three fallacies are present: 1 binary success/failure frame, 2 disproportional focus on GAFAM & 3 overgeneralisation. (4/n)

By categorising empirical evidence into four thematic clusters—Awareness and Trust, Operational Performance, Ripple Effect, and Normative Clarity—we provides a structured, multidimensional understanding of GDPR implementation and implications. (3/n)

We have conducted a systematic review and reflection of all empirical literature on EU data protection law, including both the Directive and the GDPR, over the past 25 years (1995–2022) (2/n)

As the GDPR enters its seventh year of implementation, and with recent calls to reduce GDPR-related bureaucratic burdens, it may be the right time to re-examine the real-world impact and future direction of this landmark legislation. (1/n)

🚨NEW ARTICLE ALERT🚨

I am thrilled that our article (@wenlongli.bsky.social @wenkaili.bsky.social Yuemming Zhang @aolanli.bsky.social ) ‘Mapping the empirical literature of the GDPR's (In-)effectiveness: A systematic review’ published by Computer Law & Security Review. OA: doi.org/10.1016/j.cl...

🚨 New CREATe Working Paper on the GDPR 🚨
‘Mapping the Empirical Literature of the GDPR’s (In-)Effectiveness’
By WenlongLi, @zihaoli.bsky.social (Zihao Li), @Wenkai Li, Yueming Zhang & Aolan Li
Read here 👉 www.create.ac.uk/blog/2025/04...

Some of our colleagues are currently presenting their latest work at the BILETA Conference in @goldsmithsuol.bsky.social 🧵👇

Weiwei Yi on dark monetisation design patterns in video games 🎮

Visit our website to discover more about our research: www.create.ac.uk

New Working Paper – The Decentralized and Automated Economy: A research roadmap for the medium-term future – CREATe

New Working Paper - The Decentralized and Automated Economy: A research roadmap for the medium-term future - www.create.ac.uk/blog/2025/03...

🚨 Our response to the UK Government’s consultation on AI and copyright 🚨

🎨 🤖 Is it possible to adjust the legal framework to support both the creative industries and AI development?

Response here 👉 www.create.ac.uk/blog/2025/02...

📢 Job Alert! The University of Glasgow is hiring a Lecturer in Competition Law (Research & Teaching). Join a vibrant team, teach innovative courses, and contribute to world-class research with CREATe.
Closing: 24 Feb 2025.
Check our blog for more info: www.create.ac.uk/blog/2025/01...

We are thrilled to announce the @create-glasgow.bsky.social relaunch event on 11 March at the ARC. Come along to learn more about our work on creativity, markets & technology, new research themes & join us for a networking reception with a Scottish twist. Register: www.create.ac.uk/blog/2024/02...