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. 2019 Oct 1;11(3):227–254. doi: 10.1007/s41649-019-00099-x

Box 4.

Key points about vulnerability and power in big data

1. Vulnerability takes several forms.

2. Vulnerability is often contextual; a person may be vulnerable in one situation but not another.

3. Using big data in health research provides a way to relieve some vulnerabilities but it might generate or exacerbate others.

4. Those handling big data should be aware of this, and consider ways in which possible harms and wrongs may be mitigated or avoided entirely.