Artificial intelligence is transforming the medical sector, offering technical tools to diagnose, treat, and prevent several types of diseases. Indeed, by relying on the analysis of large sets of health data, artificial intelligence allows very promising advances such as the personalization of treatments, the precise prediction of disease risks, the early detection of diseases such as cancer, or the discovery of new drugs by analyzing billions of chemical combinations. These innovations promise to improve the quality of care while optimizing costs. However, the exploitation of this sensitive data can also raise significant concerns about privacy and ethics.
Why protecting our health data is vital
Health data is particularly sensitive and requires rigorous protection, especially when used by artificial intelligence systems. The protection of this data is more than important, because mismanagement or malicious use could have serious consequences for individuals. For example, in the event of a data leak or hack, this information could be used to discriminate against individuals, whether in the areas of employment, insurance, or access to credit. The unauthorized dissemination of medical data could lead to extortion attempts, where individuals would threaten to make sensitive information public. The complexity of algorithms also poses challenges in terms of transparency, making it difficult for patients and healthcare professionals to understand how these systems make their decisions, which can undermine public trust.
Legal framework: the role of the GDPR and the AI Act
Faced with these challenges, the legal framework plays a key role. Indeed, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation establishes clear principles for the management of personal data, including those relating to health. However, the introduction of artificial intelligence in this area brings new challenges that require appropriate regulation. It is in this context that the law on artificial intelligence has emerged within the EU, and is proving crucial. This law aims to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in a way that guarantees data security and respects citizens’ fundamental rights. In the event of non-compliance with these regulations, the risks are high, ranging from loss of patient trust to legal sanctions, and significant economic repercussions for the institutions concerned.
Innovate without compromising our privacy
To successfully combine innovation and privacy, several technical and organizational measures must be put in place. Data anonymization, encryption, and the adoption of reinforced security protocols are essential to minimize the risks associated with the use of health data by artificial intelligence. At the same time, it is essential to promote close collaboration between public authorities, technology companies, health professionals, and citizens to ensure that artificial intelligence is deployed in an ethical, transparent and respectful manner for individual rights.
A Future where AI and Privacy Coexist
In conclusion, artificial intelligence offers immense potential to revolutionize the healthcare sector, improving care while reducing costs. However, this revolution must not be at the expense of the fundamental rights of individuals. It is essential to find the right balance between technological innovation and the protection of personal data. Indeed, in the event of malicious intent, the compromise of health data could not only harm the individuals concerned, but also weaken public trust in technologies using artificial intelligence. Thanks to efforts and increased vigilance between the different actors involved, it is possible to use AI in a positive way where the well-being of all, privacy and the rights of citizens will be respected.
Sources:
- https://cis.cnrs.fr/sante-numerique-et-intelligence-artificielle/
- https://www.edps.europa.eu/data-protection/our-work/subjects/sante_fr
- https://artificialintelligenceact.eu/fr/
- https://www.entreprises.gouv.fr/fr/numerique/enjeux/l-intelligence-artificielle-au-service-de-la-sante
