At Partisia, we have spent years working at the front line of advanced cryptographic solutions, with a deep focus on privacy and security. And therefore, it’s no surprise that we’ve watched closely as the debate over the future management of Denmark’s health data unfolds - especially the concerns raised by DTU and Aarhus University about the government's proposal for a centralized national IT platform.
As experts in the field of data security, we understand the tremendous potential that health data has to drive innovation, improve healthcare, and transform society. However, we also know that centralizing sensitive health data presents serious risks to citizens’ privacy, data security, and public trust.
At Partisia, we believe that an approach keeping data decentralized, with secure and proven cryptographic technologies, is the way forward, ensuring safe, transparent, and responsible use of sensitive health data without compromising individual rights.
Trust and innovation must go hand in hand
The true value of health data lies in its power to drive innovation and advance the greater good - improving individual health outcomes, enhancing quality of life, and streamlining workflows for healthcare professionals. But that progress must come with an unshakable foundation of trust. Without trust, citizens will be unwilling to share their data, and innovation will grind to a halt.
When sensitive health data is concentrated in one central location, it becomes a single point of failure, making it a prime target for cyberattacks. Regardless of the best intentions behind a national IT platform, a centralized system inherently increases the risk of data breaches and undermines public confidence. Once trust is eroded, it’s incredibly difficult to rebuild.
At Partisia, we believe there’s a better way: decentralization.
The decentralized model: A safer, smarter choice
Centralized systems are often seen as more efficient or easier to manage, but they overlook the most important factor: security. A decentralized model places the control of health data where it belongs - with the institutions that already manage it, such as hospitals, research centers, and regional health registries. This approach not only reduces the risk of large-scale data breaches but also empowers individuals to maintain better control over their own sensitive health information.
At the core of this model is the use of Multi-Party Computation (MPC), a cryptographic technique that enables organizations to collaborate on encrypted data analysis without ever sharing the underlying data. This means that hospitals and research centers can work together to unlock insights from health data, but without exposing any private information.
By decentralizing sensitive health data, we avoid putting all the information in one vulnerable location. Instead, we create a more robust, flexible, and secure ecosystem where data is kept safe and can be used responsibly across multiple institutions and organizations.
The importance of agility in health research
Denmark’s health research community is known for its agility and collaborative spirit, which are crucial to quickly adapt to new challenges. A centralized platform could stifle this innovation by adding bureaucratic hurdles and complex approval processes.
In contrast, a decentralized model allows for greater flexibility. Researchers would have faster access to the data they need, without unnecessary delays or red tape. They would be able to work collaboratively and efficiently while ensuring that privacy protections remain in place. It’s a system that encourages both responsibility and speed, which is exactly what’s needed in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
We should start today - The technology is already here
The great thing about a decentralized approach is that it doesn’t require waiting for a massive, complex national IT platform to be built. The technology is already available.
Partisia has been working on privacy-preserving solutions like Multi-Party Computation that solves this challenge, for over a decade, and the tools to create a secure, connected ecosystem are already in place. Allowing hospitals, research centers, and registries to already begin implementing these technologies today, step by step. By establishing common standards for secure data access, Denmark will be the frontrunner by creating a more resilient, privacy-preserving system without waiting for years of development.
This incremental approach allows institutions to participate at their own pace, while still being part of a connected, secure network. It ensures that not one single institution holds all the control or risks, making the entire ecosystem stronger and more trustworthy.
Denmark can lead the world
Denmark is in a unique position to become a global leader in the ethical and secure use of health data. By embracing a decentralized model, we can demonstrate that it is possible to harness the incredible potential of sensitive health data without compromising the rights and privacy of the individuals behind it.
A collaborative path forward
The future of health data must be one where innovation and privacy go hand in hand, where citizens can trust that their personal information is protected, and where research can continue to thrive for the greater good. Partisia is committed to supporting this vision through advanced cryptographic solutions that empower individuals and institutions alike.
The conversation is just beginning, but the path is clear: Decentralized, privacy-first technologies are the way forward for Denmark’s health data future. At Partisia, we are ready to help lead the way.
