Privacy and Data Protection Issues in The Era Of Precision Medicine And Personalized Healthcare

Abstract

The present research paper delves into the urgent issues pertaining to privacy and data protection within the context of precision medicine and personalised healthcare. The utilisation of sensitive personal health data has become indispensable in the delivery of customised medical treatments and the enhancement of patient outcomes due to the swift progressions in medical technology. Nevertheless, the emergence of this issue has presented considerable ethical, legal, and regulatory dilemmas pertaining to the confidentiality and safeguarding of individuals' health data. This study investigates the potential hazards associated with data breaches, unauthorised access, and the improper utilisation of health data, while also considering the impact on patient autonomy, trust, and confidentiality. The analysis also explores the current legal frameworks and data protection mechanisms in various jurisdictions, emphasising the deficiencies and the necessity for strong privacy safeguards. The primary objective of this study is to make a valuable contribution to the ongoing discourse surrounding the delicate equilibrium between healthcare innovation and safeguarding individuals' privacy rights. This will be achieved through the identification of significant privacy concerns and the proposal of potential remedies.