Health data and AI: where can we find the balance? 

No. 71: Bringing you the news that matters in video privacy and security

The intersection of health data and artificial intelligence (AI) presents groundbreaking opportunities and significant challenges. Technologies undoubtedly advance healthcare and improve public health outcomes, but where can we effectively navigate the delicate line between harnessing their potential, and safeguarding sensitive medical data - particularly when it comes to individual privacy, data breaches and ethics? 

The US CDC's initiative to expand infectious disease surveillance at major US airports, particularly during the holiday season, highlights the beneficial use of health data in public safety. This proactive measure aims to thwart potential outbreaks and demonstrates how responsibly managed health data can be a powerful tool in public health efforts. Additionally, the development of the AI model IRON, which predicts therapy outcomes for ovarian cancer with remarkable accuracy, is a striking example of the positive impact of AI in healthcare.

In contrast, Biobank's alleged sharing of sensitive health data with insurance companies, despite initial promises of privacy, serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls in the handling of health data. This breach of trust illustrates the risks associated with data misuse and the importance of clear, transparent policies and stringent safeguards to protect individuals' privacy and maintain public trust in health research.

In health and technology, the balance between innovation and privacy is delicate yet crucial. Stakeholders should continue to navigate this space thoughtfully, always prioritising data protection at the forefront.

As always, please send any feedback or topics of interest you would like to be covered.

Seena, Editor


News

US CDC boosts airport disease surveillance to prevent winter outbreaks  

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is enhancing its infectious disease surveillance at major airports to prevent outbreaks similar to last winter's contagious illnesses. This effort includes testing international travellers at airports for over 30 pathogens, such as flu and RSV, with a focus on early detection and response to potential public health threats.

Reuters: US CDC to expand surveillance of traveler samples for respiratory viruses

CBS News: CDC will expand surveillance of infectious diseases at some major airports

 

UK Biobank allegedly shared sensitive health data with insurance companies

The UK Biobank allegedly shared sensitive health data from half a million UK citizens with insurance companies for projects aimed at predicting chronic diseases. This alleged breach has raised serious ethical concerns among experts and contradicts Biobank's initial pledge to keep this data from insurance firms.

The Guardian: Private UK health data donated for medical research shared with insurance companies

Tech Times: UK Biobank's Controversial Sharing of Sensitive Health Data Raises Alarms

 

Senate AI forum highlights need for a US data protection law 

At a Senate AI Insight Forum, experts stressed the need for federal privacy legislation to address privacy challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Advocates supported the American Data Privacy and Protection Act (which aims to limit data collection and processing) while ad industry representatives emphasised the importance of data for AI development.

Media Post: Senate Urged To Tackle AI Privacy Threats By Curbing Data Collection

IAPP: Civil rights group CEO says passing ADPPA is critical before drafting AI laws

 

NY State Bar Association advocates for civil rights protection against facial recognition misuse 

The New York State Bar Association is calling for an expansion of the state's Civil Rights Act to prevent companies from using facial recognition technology to restrict access to venues, based on employment. The Association also supports the state Biometric Privacy Act, which aims to regulate the storage and destruction of biometric data, amid concerns about the technology's potential misuse in various public spaces.

New York State Bar Association: New York State Bar Association Urges State To Regulate Facial Recognition Technology

IAPP: New York State Bar Association backs facial recognition limitations

 

EU advances with digital identity wallet 

The European Parliament and Council have provisionally agreed on a pan-European digital identity framework, introducing a Digital Identity Wallet for EU citizens. This wallet will enable secure online identification and authentication, offering features like a privacy dashboard for full data control, free electronic signatures, and stringent rules for company oversight.

EU Parliament: EU-wide digital wallet: MEPs reach deal with Council

Biometric Update: Final agreement on EU Digital Identity Wallets expands scope of regulations


AI Snippet of the Week

AI model enhances prediction accuracy for ovarian cancer therapy outcomes 

An artificial intelligence model is now able to predict the effectiveness of therapy in ovarian cancer patients with 80% accuracy, surpassing current clinical methods. This tool analyses a range of clinical features to provide early identification of patients unlikely to respond to therapy.

Technology Networks: Artificial Intelligence Predicts Treatment Outcome in Ovarian Cancer Patients

Drug Target Review: Improving ovarian cancer outcomes with artificial intelligence


Policy Updates

US lawmakers introduce surveillance reform bill

The Government Surveillance Reform Act of 2023 aims to enforce warrant requirements for certain forms of government data access and remove outdated provisions of the Patriot Act, with a focus on enhancing privacy and transparency in government surveillance. 

CPO Magazine: New US Privacy Bill Focuses On Ending Domestic Government Surveillance Overreach At All Levels

WIRED: A New US Privacy Bill Seeks to End Warrantless Police and FBI Spying


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