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
9 comments:
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.
This is awful news! Medical files should always be kept private, unless the patient is willing.
Happy Wednesday, enjoy your day!
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
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
Digital activity is out of control, for sure.
All these is really true!
xoxo
This is really shocking!!!!!! How dare they!?!?!
Thanks to ...
Linda
Gloria
Kezzie
... for sharing your thoughts on this post
All the best Jan
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.
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