HHS Unveils New AI Strategy: Promises Efficiency Amid Privacy Concerns

Fri Dec 05 2025 07:36:19 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reveals a new strategy to integrate artificial intelligence into its operations, aiming for increased efficiency while raising alarms over the protection of sensitive health data.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced a new strategy to expand the use of artificial intelligence across its divisions. While Deputy HHS Secretary Jim O'Neill heralds this as a step towards efficiency and innovation, experts caution about the risks posed to patient privacy. The plan includes AI applications in analyzing health data, drug development, and personalized patient care but raises questions about safeguarding sensitive medical information amidst a government push for technological modernization.

NEW YORK — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has set forth an ambitious strategy to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations, signaling a move towards greater efficiency despite concerns around data privacy. This new plan follows on the heels of the Trump administration’s explicit support for rapid AI adoption, but now brings to light significant questions over the protection of sensitive health information.

In a recently released 20-page document, the HHS outlined its commitment to a transformative approach to using AI, which includes leveraging technology for faster patient care and enhanced drug development processes. For too long, our Department has been bogged down by bureaucracy and busy-work, said Deputy HHS Secretary Jim O’Neill. It is time to tear down these barriers to progress and unite in our use of technology to Make America Healthy Again.

HHS’s strategy identifies five main pillars for AI integration: governance structures to manage operational risks, resource design for AI applications, employee empowerment for AI utilization, funding for AI standards in research, and enhancing public health initiatives with AI technology. HHS has also made popular AI tools such as ChatGPT available to all employees to boost productivity through a ‘try-first’ culture.

While the strategy is progress in modernization, experts like Oren Etzioni express caution. The use of AI in healthcare involves navigating sensitive data about individuals’ health, and with past controversies surrounding data sharing practices, stakeholders are wary of how adequately patient privacy will be maintained. AI innovation, while promising, poses governance challenges that must be carefully managed, particularly given the current leadership at HHS.

In conclusion, the HHS’s AI strategy has the potential to modernize the agency, improving service delivery and efficiency within the health sector. However, the challenges of safeguarding personal information and ensuring compliance with rigorous data protection standards remain critical as this technology evolves.