Big Data in Health Services – Legal Perspectives

Abstract

In this paper, the legal protection of information is explored, with special reference to the use of big data in health services. Specifically, the boundary between identifiable and anonymized information is examined. The emphasis on this categorization is especially relevant because the law addresses the two types of information differently. However, there are studies that reveal that this categorization may be not as water-tight as it is believed to be. Therefore, it is suggested that the laws should adapt to the fluid boundaries between identifiable and anonymous information in order to ensure a more comprehensive protection of data.