Wednesday 4 May 2016

Google handed NHS patients' files without permission: Up to 1.6million records - including names and medical history!

Up to 1.6 million patients have had their private medical files passed on to Google without their permission, it was revealed today

The internet giant was given the data by one of the largest NHS trusts to develop an app to monitor possible kidney failure.

The encrypted information includes the names and medical histories of every patient who had stayed in hospital overnight or attended A&E in the past five years.

None of the patients was told beforehand and the revelation has exposed the ease with which private companies can obtain highly sensitive medical information without consent.

The data given to the internet giant would include patients' complete medical histories, including whether they had been diagnosed with HIV, depression, suffered from drug or alcohol addiction, or had an abortion.

But neither Google nor the Royal Free could explain why the data of so many patients was needed for the software to be developed.

More on this latest story here.

Eddie
at

9 comments:

  1. Francisco Manuel Carrajola Oliveira4 May 2016 at 09:38

    Nos tempos que correm é cada vez mais difícil a privacidade e o sigilo à sempre quem fure.
    Um abraço e continuação de uma boa semana.

    ReplyDelete
  2. eileeninmd4 May 2016 at 12:18

    This is awful news! Medical files should always be kept private, unless the patient is willing.


    Happy Wednesday, enjoy your day!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lowcarb team member4 May 2016 at 18:49

    Francisco
    Thank you for your comment
    obrigado pelo seu comentário

    Translation of Francisco's comment:
    These days it is increasingly difficult for those to always stick to privacy and confidentiality.
    A hug and continuation of a good week.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lowcarb team member4 May 2016 at 18:51

    Eileen
    I couldn't agree more when you say, "This is awful news! Medical files should always be kept private, unless the patient is willing."

    More and more it seems our privacy is being encroached and dis-appearing!

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  5. Linda Kay4 May 2016 at 20:47

    Digital activity is out of control, for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Gloria Baker4 May 2016 at 21:42

    All these is really true!
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  7. Kezzie4 May 2016 at 22:30

    This is really shocking!!!!!! How dare they!?!?!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lowcarb team member5 May 2016 at 19:49

    Thanks to ...

    Linda

    Gloria

    Kezzie


    ... for sharing your thoughts on this post

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  9. Coloring Outside the Lines15 May 2016 at 20:27

    Wow- I saw the title for this and had to read it. I am shocked at this! Google should be fined heavily. HIPPA is supposed to protect people, but apparently it doesn't.

    ReplyDelete

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The best of health to you and yours.

Eddie