Communication Challenges in the Health Datafication Process: A Critical Analysis of Biopower and Data Colonialism
1
Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
2
Florida University of Science and Theology, Florida, United States
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3345
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Since the so called Revolution 4.0, an ever increasing amount of personal data has begun to circulate in telematic networks in an unbalanced proportion, typically flowing from countries in the Global South to the Global North.¹˒² This dynamic fuels inequalities between individuals and institutions. In this scenario, the interaction between actors who store and process health data and those who provide their data through digital platforms becomes increasingly important.³ The objective of this work is to study the challenges of communication in the process of health datafication.
METHODS:
Through bibliographic research, this issue was explored from the perspective of critical theory, using the notion of biopower⁴˒⁵ as a guiding concept to analyze the power dynamics inherent in data collection and processing.
RESULTS:
It was found that the health datafication process brings harms, such as a lack of transparency in communication between users of digital platforms and Big Tech companies.⁶ However, it also offers benefits, such as greater access to information and scientific knowledge.⁷ These contradictory outcomes highlight the complexity of the current digital health landscape.
CONCLUSIONS:
The results demonstrate the need to rethink communication within the datafication process. It is crucial to encourage investments in new Big Data technologies produced in the Southern Hemisphere to combat data colonialism⁸˒⁹ and reduce health inequalities, ensuring a more equitable distribution of the benefits of digital health.
Since the so called Revolution 4.0, an ever increasing amount of personal data has begun to circulate in telematic networks in an unbalanced proportion, typically flowing from countries in the Global South to the Global North.¹˒² This dynamic fuels inequalities between individuals and institutions. In this scenario, the interaction between actors who store and process health data and those who provide their data through digital platforms becomes increasingly important.³ The objective of this work is to study the challenges of communication in the process of health datafication.
METHODS:
Through bibliographic research, this issue was explored from the perspective of critical theory, using the notion of biopower⁴˒⁵ as a guiding concept to analyze the power dynamics inherent in data collection and processing.
RESULTS:
It was found that the health datafication process brings harms, such as a lack of transparency in communication between users of digital platforms and Big Tech companies.⁶ However, it also offers benefits, such as greater access to information and scientific knowledge.⁷ These contradictory outcomes highlight the complexity of the current digital health landscape.
CONCLUSIONS:
The results demonstrate the need to rethink communication within the datafication process. It is crucial to encourage investments in new Big Data technologies produced in the Southern Hemisphere to combat data colonialism⁸˒⁹ and reduce health inequalities, ensuring a more equitable distribution of the benefits of digital health.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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