Steps for Ethical Data Gathering Amidst a Global Health Crisis
In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, leaders across the globe are grappling with data dilemmas as they strive to balance the urgent need for action with the protection of employee privacy and customer leniency.
Israel has taken a bold step by passing an emergency law mandating that its domestic intelligence services track people to stem the spread of the virus. However, such drastic measures should not become permanent practices, as misuse of data could cause more harm than good.
In Liechtenstein, Fabian Schmid, head of the Office for Informatics, has been vocal about cybersecurity and data management during the crisis. Similarly, scientific working group leaders and patient representatives coordinate data activities in research contexts, while countries in the European Union, including those enforcing the EU Data Act, are increasing data collection and use as part of their digital strategy.
In the United States, the healthcare privacy regulations (HIPAA) have temporarily lifted restrictions on telehealth practices, which could potentially be continued. However, ethical decision-making about data during the pandemic should involve critical thinking and various moral reasoning perspectives.
Data should be shared across the public and private sectors, but only if it aligns with core ethical values and business priorities. It is recommended to seek advice from application leaders on available digital trust technologies to control data collection, use, and sharing. Collaborating with a diverse group of people from across the organization can provide multiple perspectives on data dilemmas.
Temporary measures around data collection, use, and sharing should be regularly reevaluated and returned to normal where possible. It is important to avoid being too single-minded or outcome-determinative when making decisions about data. Regularly reviewing global examples of data dilemmas from COVID-19 resource materials and the news can inform decision-making.
In Rhode Island, police are making door-to-door visits to restrict the movements of out-of-state visitors, highlighting the need for careful consideration of different cognitive styles, temperaments, and cultural values when making decisions about data.
Ultimately, data and analytics leaders are responsible for how their organization collects, uses, and shares data during the pandemic. Engaging people from legal, marketing, sales, operations, finance, IT, and other departments in the decision-making process can ensure a balanced approach that prioritizes swift and decisive action while protecting privacy and leniency.
It is crucial to identify and retain what has been learned from temporary measures during the crisis for potential future application, as we continue to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic.
