Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Health Privacy : Need for Democratization and Regulation in Health Data Processing System

Abstract

The paper seeks to depict the present status of Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) in the healthcare system of India and its issues relating to data privacy. AI is being a major contributor to health and medical domain not only increase its efficiency but also to gain economic firmness in these sectors in India. Owing to this, comes deep concern on its regulation and law limits while using the personal data of the patients for any other purposes than treatment. The use of AI which entails constant exchange of information and data between the patient and the AI service providers, raises serious concern for data privacy, as they are using the sensitive personal data of the individuals for other purposes like prospective trainings, creating algorithms, advertisement, etc. Hence, with big datasets there is associated serious threat and challenges to the privacy of the individuals, which is required to be addressed. This is possible with the foremost step of the democratization of health data and healthcare where individual will have better access to his/her health information and therefore manage their own health. This can further be implemented through the usage of AI-based technologies, like wearable bands, glucometers, etc. following a due process. Again, the operators of these devices should be strictly regulated through certain regulation and legislation such as Data Protection Bill, which safeguards the privacy of the data owners. The legislature should ensure the passage of the laws following due process, discussion and participation of the people to ensure inclusivity and safeguard the interest of each individual. The paper tries to suggest measures to make use of AI in healthcare ecosystem in a regulated manner so that its use is more of importance than of controversy.