Ethics & Human Research
Your Digital Twin Could Save You—or Expose You
The race to build “digital twins”—computational models of people’s biological and physiological systems—has accelerated. The promise is huge: predict disease, personalize care, and test treatments without risk. But a new essay in Ethics & Human Research points out that the ethics of the technology isn’t keeping pace.
Main concerns center on privacy, consent, and control. Someone’s data could be reused or re-identified without the person’s consent, and individuals may have little access to—or say over—their own digital twin. That raises questions about autonomy, trust, and who benefits.
There’s also a broader warning: without safeguards, digital twins could deepen inequities and shift power toward tech firms. The essay argues that now is the time to set the rules—before the technology does.
Key Takeaways
- Ethical frameworks are lagging behind digital twin innovation.
- Privacy, consent, and data control are major unresolved risks.
- Without action, the technology could worsen inequities and power imbalances.
