Use, features and implications of using computers to collect data

Data must be accurate in order for it to be useful.

Computers enable high levels of accuracy when collecting data, because:

• They automate the process
• Readings can be stored directly from the sensor generating the value
• Erroneous or out-of-range values can easily be ignored and filtered out

Even when an operator is required to enter data into a system, the potential validity of the data can be checked – for example, you may wish to confirm with a user that a date of birth is correct if it suggests that a person’s age is 120.

Along with the benefits of automation come risks of having huge amounts of data electronically stored. As an example, wearable health devices store huge amounts of data that are generated 24/7. Where does the data end up? Who is taking responsibility for its safety? Are you even aware of everything that is being stored? If you are storing the data, do you hold it and process it in compliance with GDPR? Is it secure and encrypted? Is it anonymised?