Big Data and Pandemics: How to Strike Balance with Data Protection in the Age of GDPR

The paper focuses on technological and legal impact of the Covid-19 crisis, drawing the attention to the convergent nature of Big Data in healthcare emergencies. While, Big Data tools have the potential to prevent, predict, manage or treat arising pandemics, at the same time the use of data driven solutions as raise numerous privacy concerns. European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) may fall short when it comes to addressing risks of Big Data analytic tools, in particular when it comes to the collective dimension of data protection rights. However, as shown by the recently issued guidelines of the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) is possible to find a “fair-balance” between public authorities and private entities necessity to implement surveillance measures and the respect of data protection fundamental principles.