Privacy concerns raised over trust’s AI data-sharing deal

The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH) has come under scrutiny for its data-sharing agreement with AI startup Naitive Technologies, raising privacy concerns. The collaboration, which began in 2018, involves the development of AI software for orthopaedic surgery and musculoskeletal medicine data analysis. MedConfidential’s freedom of information request revealed discrepancies in RNOH’s initial denial of the agreement with Naitive. The campaign group believes the deal may contravene NHS data sharing guidelines, citing a possible conflict of interest due to RNOH’s former CEO joining Naitive’s board. RNOH has since stated its intent to amend the agreement to comply with NHS guidance and maintain patient confidentiality. Naitive Technologies confirmed the data-sharing agreement was established in good faith and complies with relevant legislation, with all shared data anonymized and securely held by RNOH.