Data Privacy in Virtual Healthcare Environments and Ethical Guidelines for Metaverse Health Applications
摘要
As digital health solutions proliferate, the protection of personal health information has become paramount, necessitating a comprehensive framework that addresses privacy concerns while fostering innovation. The integration of virtual healthcare environments and metaverse-based health applications is revolutionizing the delivery of medical services by enhancing accessibility, patient engagement, and real-time data exchange. However, these advancements bring significant challenges related to data privacy, ethical governance, and patient consent. Therefore, this chapter reviews the core issues surrounding data privacy in digital healthcare ecosystems, with a focus on how personal health information is collected, stored, and transmitted within immersive virtual and augmented environments. The study examines current data privacy regulations and ethical guidelines, assessing their applicability in virtual healthcare settings. It critically analyzes the risks of data breaches, unauthorized surveillance, and algorithmic bias, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity frameworks. By examining current policies, emerging technologies, and case studies, this chapter offers a comprehensive overview of best practices and regulatory considerations. The findings aim to contribute to the discourse on responsible digital health practices, ultimately enhancing patient safety and the efficacy of health applications in the metaverse.