Page 36 - Banking Finance September 2025

ARTICLE

Other Uses of Data Harvesting Healthcare Advancements

Beyond its prominent role in marketing and cyber fraud, data The healthcare industry is increasingly relying on data harvest-
harvesting extends its reach into a multitude of industries, ing to drive medical breakthroughs and improve patient care.
serving as both a tool for advancement and, at times, a source By aggregating and analysing patient data from a wide range
of ethical dilemmas. Below is an in-depth exploration of some of sources-including electronic health records, wearable de-
of the many ways in which harvested data is employed: vices, and medical research studies-healthcare providers can
develop personalized treatment plans that are more precise
Behavioural Profiling and effective. For example, data can be utilized to predict dis-
Data harvesting plays a pivotal role in the creation of intri- ease progression, identify the most appropriate medications,
cate behavioural profiles of individuals or groups. Through and even detect health risks before they manifest in symptoms.
the collection of vast amounts of personal and interaction Additionally, data harvesting plays a critical role in epidemiol-
data, governments, corporations, and various organizations ogy, allowing researchers to track the spread of diseases, as-
can map out patterns of behaviour with alarming precision. sess the efficacy of public health interventions, and forecast
These profiles are frequently used in predictive analytics, potential outbreaks. While the potential for improving patient
which involves utilizing historical data to forecast future outcomes is significant, this practice also raises serious privacy
actions. For instance, predictive models can assess the like- concerns. The possibility of sensitive medical data being mis-
lihood of a person engaging in criminal activity, adopting handled, misused, or accessed without consent is a constant
certain consumer behaviours, or responding to specific types threat, prompting calls for stricter data protection regulations
of marketing. The utilization of such data is particularly in healthcare systems worldwide.
prevalent in the fields of security, where it helps in identify-
ing potential threats before they materialize, and in com- Smart Cities
merce, where it can reveal emerging trends that businesses The concept of smart cities, which integrates technology and
can capitalize on. However, this practice raises significant data to optimize urban living, heavily relies on data harvest-
concerns about the accuracy and fairness of the profiling ing. Cities equipped with sensors and interconnected devices
process, with the potential for misuse in areas such as dis- collect vast amounts of data that can be harnessed to im-
criminatory practices and surveillance.
prove various aspects of urban life. For example, data har-
vested from traffic sensors and GPS-equipped vehicles can be
Political Manipulation analysed to optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and

Harvested data has found its way into the political arena, minimize travel times. Additionally, smart grids that monitor
where it has been used to manipulate public opinion and energy consumption can help optimize electricity distribution,
influence election outcomes. The practice of targeting vot- promote sustainability, and reduce waste. In the realm of
ers with highly personalized political messages based on public safety, surveillance systems and predictive analytics
their online behaviour, preferences, and interactions was allow cities to anticipate and prevent potential criminal ac-
notably highlighted in the Cambridge Analytica scandal. tivity or accidents. While the development of smart cities
Political campaigns and parties harness data harvested from promises a more efficient and sustainable urban environment,
social media platforms, online behaviours, and demographic it also raises concerns about surveillance, data security, and
information to craft tailored advertisements that appeal the erosion of individual privacy, particularly when the line
directly to an individual's beliefs, fears, and desires. This between convenience and intrusion becomes blurred.
targeted approach aims to sway undecided voters,
strengthen the loyalty of supporters, and sometimes even Financial Insights and Credit Scoring
spread misinformation. The ethical ramifications of such
Financial institutions are increasingly turning to data harvest-
strategies are profound, as they not only undermine the
ing as a means of assessing creditworthiness and detecting
integrity of democratic processes but also blur the lines
fraudulent activities. By analysing an individual's spending
between persuasion and manipulation. Moreover, this prac- habits, transaction history, and even social media interactions,
tice raises concerns about voter privacy, the potential for banks and lending institutions can develop more nuanced
foreign interference, and the overarching impact on demo- profiles of a person's financial behaviour. These insights allow
cratic participation. institutions to offer personalized financial products, such as

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