The Protection of Personal Information Act and data de-identification

Swales, Lee

Data have become an exceptionally valuable resource. In light of the COVID-19 public health emergency, data sharing and the concept of open science has gathered momentum. The advantages and disadvantages of open science notwithstanding, a pressing issue for the scientific community to consider--particularly in relation to health research--relates to the de-identification of data, and the impact of the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 on research activities in this context. Here, Swales discusses the data de-identification and related concepts;considers how data de-identification applies in the context of scientific practice in South Africa;and considers relevant data de-identification principles in selected relevant foreign jurisdictions.