[i-Leviathan: towards precision public health?]

Area of Science:

• Public Health Law
• Health Surveillance
• Bioethics

Background:

• Hobbes' Leviathan represents state sovereignty, a concept now applied to public health.
• The focus extends to preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and promoting population health.
• An "i-Leviathan" model emerges, leveraging health data for enhanced public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the evolution of state sovereignty in public health towards data-driven surveillance.
• To analyze the legal challenges and ethical implications of precision public health.
• To examine the balance between public health interests and individual freedoms in the digital age.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of state sovereignty and its application to public health.
• Examination of legal frameworks governing health data collection and use.
• Discussion of potential risks including stigmatization, discrimination, and repression.

Main Results:

• Precision public health relies on extensive health data collection and utilization.
• The i-Leviathan model necessitates robust legal and ethical scrutiny.
• Potential for state overreach in monitoring and controlling individual health behaviors.

Conclusions:

• The i-Leviathan signifies a shift towards data-intensive public health governance.
• Careful consideration of legal challenges is crucial to protect individual rights.
• Balancing public health goals with personal freedoms requires clear regulatory measures.