PI to investigate how digital health tech is tested to prevent harm

Privacy International (PI), in partnership with the Centre for Health, Equity, Law and Policy (C-HELP) in India and Just Treatment in the UK, has launched an investigation into how public healthcare providers assess the impact of privately supplied digital health tools on wider human rights. While digital tools, such as symptom tracking apps, remote consultations, and diagnostics tools powered by artificial intelligence (AI), can improve service quality and accessibility, there are significant risks in relying on private actors.

The primary concern is whether these tools adequately protect sensitive and intimate health data, which, if exposed, could lead to discrimination. The report also highlights the risk that digital tools may be discriminatory due to biased training data or that private businesses may fail to deliver on cost-saving promises, ultimately undermining access to quality care. The investigation aims to ensure that public health bodies do not require individuals to sacrifice their right to privacy to fulfil their right to health.

A related PI article summarises its view on the necessity of a rights-based approach to digital health technology. 

Training Announcement: The IAPP Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT) is a privacy-focused professional IT certificate from the IAPP that addresses data protection requirements and controls within complex technological environments. It explores the data lifecycle, privacy risk models and frameworks, the principles of Privacy by Design, and the role of privacy-enhancing technologies within the organisation. Find out more.