An analysis of the ethical challenges of blockchain-enabled E-healthcare applications in 6G networks

Title

An analysis of the ethical challenges of blockchain-enabled E-healthcare applications in 6G networks

Creator

Srivastava V.; Mahara T.; Yadav P.

Description

Developments in blockchain technology coupled with rapid developments in network technologies have disrupted traditional business and service models. One such application is in the domain of healthcare. However, the domain's sensitive nature and complexity require blockchain-enabled e-healthcare to ensure utilitarianism while suitably addressing the associated ethical challenges. In this milieu, the paper attempts to identify and evaluate the parameters of ethical challenges associated with blockchain adoption in e-healthcare. This paper contributes to the extant body of knowledge by presenting a critical review of the ethical considerations at the meso level of blockchains in e-healthcare. Based on findings from the literature, the study identified nine parameters of blockchain ethics. Of these, Accuracy and Right to be Forgotten were found to be most critical in terms of ethical dilemmas in healthcare applications. No evidence of ethical dilemma could be found with respect to Accountability and Data Ownership. As these services are deployed over networks, all these challenges are further evaluated in the context of 6G network-based models. This will not only provide the stakeholders with a holistic view of the ethical challenges in various blockchain-enabled healthcare applications but also enable a meticulous transition to the 6G network. 2021

Source

International Journal of Cognitive Computing in Engineering, Vol-2, pp. 171-179.

Date

2021-01-01

Publisher

KeAi Communications Co.

Subject

6G Network; Access; Accountability; Blockchain; E-healthcare; Ethical Challenges; Fairness; Governance; Privacy; Right to be Forgotten

Coverage

Srivastava V., School of Business and Management, Christ University, Bengaluru, India; Mahara T., School of Business and Management, Christ University, Bengaluru, India; Yadav P., MJP Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, India

Rights

All Open Access; Gold Open Access

Relation

ISSN: 26663074

Format

Online

Language

English

Type

Article

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcce.2021.10.002

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