How Private Data Is Solving Global Health and Social Challenges

Private sector data is being used in new ways to address social and health challenges. Companies and researchers are finding innovative applications for information collected from users. These efforts span healthcare, public safety, and economic development. In healthcare, a researcher at the FDA used Kaiser Permanente’s electronic health records to assess the risks of Vioxx. This analysis helped identify potential dangers linked to the drug. Meanwhile, 23andMe has improved patient recruitment for clinical trials by leveraging its genetic database. The company has also partnered with pharmaceutical firms to advance genomics research using customer data.

For public safety, Facebook will now match users' location data with Amber Alerts. This aims to spread awareness more effectively when children go missing. Uber is also contributing by donating anonymised transportation data to city governments. The data will assist in reducing congestion and improving urban planning.

In economic development, GiveDirectly uses satellite imagery from Google Maps to locate poor households in Uganda. This helps target aid more precisely. The United Nations is also analysing Facebook data to gauge public health perceptions in the country.

LinkedIn provides students with insights on education and career paths based on its professional network data. These examples show how data collection by businesses can have broader benefits. Data from private companies is supporting advances in medicine, safety, and development. However, government restrictions on data collection or reuse could limit these innovations. The balance between regulation and progress remains a key consideration.