Max von Grafenstein

Max von Grafenstein is a Professor of Digital Self-Determination at the Berlin Career College, Berlin University of the Arts (UdK), and co-heads the research program 'Governance of Data-Driven Innovation and Cybersecurity' at the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG). His interdisciplinary work bridges law, innovation economics, and behavioral science to address privacy and security challenges in digital innovation.

Education and Career:

• Studied law and history in Regensburg and Munich
• PhD in law (Regulation of Innovation) from Universität Hamburg
• Additional qualification in 'European Film Industry' (Paris, London, Ludwigsburg)
• Co-founded augmented reality project MAUERSCHAU and startup Innovation & Law

Research Focus: Grafenstein investigates how data protection law can foster innovation while safeguarding fundamental rights. Key areas include data protection by design, legal compliance for startups, and the intersection of technical systems, organizational structures, and user autonomy. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary methodologies combining law, behavioral science, and design principles.

Leadership and Projects: He leads the ECDF-funded professorship in Digital Self-Determination, co-chairs the Berlin Chapter of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), and directed the HIIG Startup Law Clinic, advising over 100 web-based startups. His projects focus on consent design, privacy certificates, and cybersecurity frameworks.