Legal and regulatory challenges to utilizing lifelogging technologies for the frail and sick

Abstract

Lifelogging technologies have the capacity to transform the health and social care landscape in a way that few could have imagined. Indeed, the emergence of lifelogging technologies within the context of healthcare presents incredible opportunities to diagnose illnesses, engage in preventative medicine, manage healthcare costs and allow the elderly to live on their own for longer periods. These technologies, however, require coherent legal regulation in order to ensure, among other things, the safety of the device and privacy of the individual. When producing lifelogging technologies, it is important that developers understand the legal framework in order to create a legally compliant device. The current regulation of lifelogging is highly fragmented, consisting of a complex patchwork of laws. There are also a number of different regulatory agencies involved. Laws and regulations vary, depending on jurisdiction, making development of these technologies more challenging, particularly given the fact that many lifelogging tools have an international dimension.