Ascension, Google working on ‘secret’ patient data project, says WSJ

Google has reportedly been working on a “secret” project with Ascension, a nationwide health system, since 2018. The project, code-named Project Nightingale, involves the analysis and sharing of patient data to inform the design of new artificial intelligence and machine learning software. The Wall Street Journal reported that employees at Alphabet divisions, including Google Brain, have access to the data. Ascension claims that the project is HIPAA compliant and prioritizes data security and protection. This project raises questions about patient privacy and the ethics of data sharing.