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9781786600554

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This is a fascinating book on a timely topic. Holland provides a deft philosophical guide to a wide range of complex issues in the collection, storage and use of public health data. His overarching argument, that concerns about informational privacy have gone too far, is well-developed; researchers, regulators and ethicists should all reflect on it. -- Stephen John, Hatton Lecturer in the Philosophy of Public Health, University of Oxford

In this timely and well-documented book, Holland (Univ. of York, UK) provides careful, nuanced analyses of the key concepts and main arguments for and against the need for more stringent legislation with respect to the vast quantities of health-related information gathered from individuals today, amounting to an ""ocean of datafication."" In seven chapters addressing such topics as harm, privacy, anonymity, identifiable data, and consent, Holland argues convincingly that in most cases potential harms are seriously overstated, while the resources available to protect sensitive data are understated. Such debates crucially involve the appropriate use of Mill’s harm principle, according to which it is justifiable to infringe on personal liberty if the harm to society of not doing so will be significant. Many authors claim that more control is needed to protect the privacy of individuals whose data is collected through research. Yet Holland advances the view that progress in disease control depends on exploitation and analysis of such big data. Too much legislation risks reducing scientists' ability to conduct valuable public research and find solutions to intractable problems. Holland has authored highly regarded medical ethics texts, for example Bioethics (2nd ed. CH, Jun'17, 54-4750), and guides research governance within the UK public health establishment. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals. * Choice Reviews * This is a fascinating book on a timely topic. Holland provides a deft philosophical guide to a wide range of complex issues in the collection, storage and use of public health data. His overarching argument, that concerns about informational privacy have gone too far, is well-developed; researchers, regulators and ethicists should all reflect on it. -- Stephen John, Hatton Lecturer in the Philosophy of Public Health, University of Oxford

Author Information

Stephen Holland is Professor of Philosophy and Health Science at the University of York, UK. He is the author of Public Health Ethics (2nd edn. 2014) and Chair of Public Health England’s Research Governance Review Group.

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