How Do Data Privacy Laws Affect Epidemiological Research?
Data privacy laws like GDPR and HIPAA impose strict guidelines on how personal health information (PHI) can be used in epidemiological research. Researchers must obtain informed consent from participants, anonymize data wherever possible, and ensure that data is stored securely. These laws aim to protect individuals from misuse of their personal information but can also pose challenges for researchers needing access to detailed health data.
