Survey shows over half of Norwegians support health data use for AI development

A recent survey by IKT Norge reveals that over half of Norwegians support the use of their health data by public authorities to train artificial intelligence (AI) services. While many citizens express concerns over privacy issues surrounding AI, there remains a notable openness to leveraging health data for technological advancement.

Professor Morten Goodwin advocates for researchers and entrepreneurs to have access to health data, suggesting that people should be more worried about not sharing their data than sharing it. He emphasizes that many individuals already share their health information with major international companies, making it unfortunate that Norwegian researchers struggle to access local health data.

The survey, titled “IT in Practice,” conducted by Rambøll in collaboration with various organizations, shows that of those who formed a clear opinion, 40% responded positively to the idea of public agencies using their data for AI development, while 30% expressed skepticism.

Data protection official Kari Laumann highlights a paradox: despite widespread fears regarding privacy invasion by AI, the survey indicates a growing recognition of its potential benefits in health technology. She notes that individuals are increasingly seeing possibilities in AI, even while acknowledging concerns about data misuse.

Goodwin relays that while health data can indeed be sensitive and associated with employment prospects, it is feasible to share it in a safe, anonymized manner. He argues that access to this data is essential for the development of personalized medicine. He warns that without local data sharing, future healthcare innovations may originate from global tech giants rather than Norwegian enterprises.

Examples of AI initiatives within Norway’s healthcare system include projects aimed at assisting the elderly and predicting heart failure risks, showcasing the potential benefits of integrating AI into healthcare practices.