US could get access to UK health data, experts warn

The US wants “free flow of data,” including health data, as part of any trade deal with the UK after Brexit, leaked negotiation documents have shown.

The documents, which were revealed by the Labour Party on 27 November, outlined six “secret talks” held between US trade representatives and the UK Department for International Trade from July 2017 to July 2019.1

As part of the discussions the US made it clear that access to UK data would be a priority and that it would be better for business if the UK moved closer to US regulations on data protection.

Experts have warned that such changes could lead to US technology companies using the data to build and to copyright algorithms that analyse the data and then charging the NHS to use them. Drug companies could also use the data for research.

Additionally, they warn, moving from EU to US data regulations could make it more difficult …