The rollout of AI –powered genomic health prediction (AIGHP) should be delayed according to a new report by the Ada Lovelace Institute, an independent research institute, and the Nuffield Council on Bioethics (NCOB).

The report found that while AIGHP could have some benefits, the technology raises concerns about significant risks concerning privacy and discrimination, as well as structural and societal problems that could emerge from its widespread rollout for prevention at the population-level.

AIGHP is based on a set of AI-driven techniques that use genomic data and other kinds of data to enable predictions about people’s future health and drug responses.

These AI systems assess multiple genetic variations in someone’s DNA to calculate whether they are more likely to develop a particular trait or disease compared with the rest of the population.

While the technology is not yet widely used in healthcare, the Ada Lovelace Institute said that it has attracted “considerable” investment. The UK government has also published strategies highlighting the potential of AIGHP to transform the NHS by offering a more preventative and personalised approach to healthcare.

Potential benefits of the technology include providing people with greater insight into the risks of developing disease and improving understanding of individual responses to treatments.

The report highlights “scientific uncertainty” about the effectiveness of the technology, warning that it could lead to new forms of genetic discrimination, particularly in the context of health insurance.

It also outlined potential structural challenges around NHS adoption of the technology.

To overcome these challenges, the report made several recommendations including developing a new model of consent for patients sharing their genomic data and convening a citizens’ assembly to explore if there is a need for new primary legislation addressing genomic discrimination in healthcare and other domains.

“Genomic health prediction could well be beneficial, but its use within the NHS will need to be approached with caution,” said Harry Farmer, senior researcher at the Ada Lovelace Institute. “Our research suggests that current regulations urgently need to be strengthened to address substantial concerns around privacy and discrimination presented by the technology – and to build public trust.”

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