Our recent kōrero with investigative team leader Rebecca Styles at Consumer NZ shines a light on a vital aspect of modern healthcare technology – data sovereignty. 

Elizabeth Zizik, our managing director and registered nurse, shared insights on the concerning revelation that some menstrual tracking or fertility apps may sell or share data with third parties. How people come across these apps can show “how the internet works, how marketing works, how data is sold, and how much data we actually give away for free without even realising”. 

The cross-border nature of data sharing raises questions about the adequacy of existing regulations to safeguard user data, considering varying privacy laws across different countries. In a world where personal health data is a valuable commodity, there's an urgent need for clear guidelines and international standards that respect data sovereignty, especially in the dynamic digital health landscape.

Ongoing conversations about updating privacy legislation are essential in this digital era where databases or entire apps can be sold to companies with differing motivations. The global reach of digital health necessitates collaborative efforts to establish frameworks prioritising data protection while ensuring responsible development and use of health technologies.