Ethicist Harry Farmer talks about data privacy, predictive analytics and fairness issues
Akshaya Asokan (asokan_akshaya) •
November 13, 2025
Artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning and deep learning, is transforming genomics by enabling powerful predictions about health and human characteristics from DNA data. However, this convergence of technologies not only raises red flags related to data privacy and security, but also broader concerns such as genome-based discrimination and loss of social solidarity.
Harry Farmer, a senior research fellow at the Ada Lovelace Institute and the Nuffield Bioethics Council, said progress in both fields may follow the normal progression of technological innovation, but questions about potential risks to individuals and society are not being addressed. The Ada Lovelace Institute is a UK-based independent research organization focused on “ensuring that the benefits of data and AI are shared fairly and equitably to improve the well-being of individuals and society.”
“We wanted to understand exactly what was happening at the intersection of AI and genomics, and what the results of that fusion would be. To us, they look much more complex,” Farmer said.
For example, the Institute investigates health-related issues such as the impact of AI-powered genomic analysis on coverage equity, the challenges of anonymizing personal and family genetic data, and how improved predictive power may pose new challenges for health systems.
In this video interview with Information Security Media Group, Farmer said:
- The convergence and future impact of AI and genomics.
- Data privacy risks associated with the use of AI in genomics.
- Policies for managing future advances in genomics.
At the Ada Lovelace Institute, Farmer investigates the ethical, social, and policy implications of new uses of data and AI. Previously, he was a senior policy advisor at Nesta, developing and driving policies that make the UK’s innovation economy fairer, more inclusive and in the public interest. Farmer has also worked in regulatory agencies, think tanks, and public affairs organizations, gaining extensive experience at the intersection of technology, governance, and social impact.
