Data and COVID-19
June 2, 2020
John Snow famously used data to trace the source of a cholera outbreak, helping found the field of epidemiology. Data will play just as crucial a role in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. Cell phone geolocation data can help us contact trace. Individuals can use websites to report symptoms, both allowing us to triage patients to hospitals and recognize where outbreaks are flaring. While we remain at home, digital communication is the best method for releasing important public health information, such as the need to wash our hands or wear masks. Data can also raise questions and concerns. How can we respect privacy rights in an age of public health surveillance? How will large data holders and governments use the information we report them? How can we avoid misinformation spreading and undermining best public health practices?
Our panel will explore three areas of opportunity and concern for data in the COVID-19 pandemic:
1. contact tracing programs, including AI surveillance;
2. the role of big data holders in COVID-19 efforts; and
3. the impact of misinformation/disinformation.
Panelists
- Timothy Caulfield, Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy; Trudeau Fellow; Professor, Faculty of Law and School of Public Health; and Research Director, Health Law Institute, University of Alberta
- I. Glenn Cohen, James A. Attwood and Leslie Williams Professor of Law and Faculty Director, Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics, Harvard Law School
- Jackie Olson, Global Health and Wellness Counsel, Apple
- Moderator: Carmel Shachar, Executive Director, Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics and Lecturer on Law, Harvard Law School
Online Viewing
Due to the ongoing closure of Harvard University, this event will be held entirely online. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Registrants will receive the Zoom link and password the day before the event.
Register now!