In news that could have resonance for UK consumers, Google has launched their personal health database online.
The search engine giant offers a new service that helps individuals manage their personal health records online. The Google vice president for search products and user experience, Marissa Mayer, commented that the service provides users: "a safe and secure way to collect, store, and manage their medical records and health information online."
Google Health, as the service is called, aims to change the way consumers use the Internet to access and control their medical records. Mayer reportedly added: "data will stay with you – if you change doctors, want a second opinion, if you’re travelling – and not stay siloed or stuck in files or databases that you can’t get to". She went on to say: "in this day and age of information, isn’t it crazy that you don’t have a copy of your medical records under your control? You could use those records to develop a better understanding of your health and ultimately get better care."
Mayer also stated that the service operates with strong privacy policies. Critics of the service say that the American Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act will not cover it.




