The WHO has released a new report calling for stronger ethical oversight of artificial intelligence (AI)-related health research to protect human rights, equity, privacy and public trust.

The report, Artificial Intelligence-related Health Research: Ethics Review and Oversight, provides recommendations for researchers, ethics committees, regulators, funders and policymakers. It highlights risks including bias, transparency, accountability, privacy and potential harms linked to rapidly developing AI technologies.

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“Artificial intelligence is creating unprecedented opportunities to accelerate health research and improve people’s lives,” said Dr Meg Doherty, Director, Department of Science for Health. “At the same time, innovation must be guided by strong ethical safeguards that protect human dignity, rights and equity. This report provides practical considerations to help researchers, ethics committees and policy-makers navigate the opportunities and risks associated with AI-related health research.”

WHO says research ethics committees will remain central to protecting participants but may need additional expertise, training and resources to assess increasingly complex AI studies.

The report also emphasizes collaboration among researchers, regulators, funders, journals and data governance bodies, particularly to support responsible AI research in low- and middle-income countries and promote more equitable access to its benefits.

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“Effective governance of AI in health research requires collaboration across disciplines, sectors and institutions,” said Dr Alain Labrique, Director, Department of Data, Digital Health Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. “As AI technologies continue to evolve rapidly, we need oversight mechanisms that are agile, evidence-based and capable of ensuring that innovation remains safe, trustworthy and beneficial for all.”