Digital technologies, machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing the fields of medicine, research and public health in an unprecedented manner. While holding great promise, this rapidly developing field raises a number of ethical, legal and social concerns, e.g. regarding equitable access, privacy, appropriate uses and users, liability and bias and inclusiveness. These issues are trans-national in nature, as capturing, sharing and using data generated and/or used by these technologies goes beyond national boundaries. The tools, methods and technologies used in “Big Data” and AI are being applied to improve health services and systems. However, many questions remain unanswered concerning the ethical development and use of these technologies, including how low- and middle-income countries will benefit from AI developments.  

In September 2019, the WHO Director General, with the support of the Chief Scientist, and led by two Departments in the Science Division - Digital Health and Innovation and Research for Health - appointed and convened a new expert group to address the growing use of AI in health care.  The Expert Group includes leading experts in ethics, digital technology, law, human rights, as well as experts from Ministries of Health.  Since then, the Expert Group has guided WHO to publish several leading guidance documents, publications, and policy reports on the ethics and governance of AI for health.