"Hey, Rock, my clinical trial data won't be leaked all over the internet, right?"
"Startled."
"What's with the startle? If my daily weight measurements end up exposed on the internet, you won't get off easy."
While watching TV, news about a new electronic money service that started about three months ago came up. Users' IDs and passwords were stolen, resulting in unauthorized use of their electronic money or password changes that rendered the electronic money unusable without their knowledge. Eventually, the electronic money service was discontinued. It was said that someone had stolen information using the internet from machines managing IDs and passwords and misused it. If information can be stolen so easily, I wondered if my clinical trial data is safe. therefore, I asked Rock, but what does being startled mean?
"Sakura's data is protected by encrypted communication and blockchain, so it's absolutely safe!"
Rock answered confidently (so it seemed). Certainly, even in the anime I saw when participating in the trial, it was explained that patients' personal information and data are protected, so I shouldn't worry. by the way, I don't know about blockchain Rock mentioned.
"Rock, what are encrypted communication and blockchain? Does that mean my data won't be stolen?"
"Encrypted communication refers to exchanging encrypted data. I show some explanations about Blockchain here."
Rock's eyes lit up and projecting an explanation of a blockchain on the internet.
"This is an explanation even Sakura can understand!"
I tried to read the explanation Rock showed me, but I still couldn't grasp it, so I contacted the clinical trial support center. The person who assisted me explained blockchain technology, encrypted communication, Rock's role, and various other things in an easy-to-understand way. She mentioned that such inquiries have increased since that incident, so everyone at the support center received training to provide clear explanations. People supporting the trial seem to be quite busy adapting to changes in the world. What I learned from the support center is that my data is protected from prying eyes through encryption and that blockchain technology safeguards the trial data from intentional tampering.
I was also surprised by the variety of tasks Rock was handling. I tried to summarize what I was taught in a notebook before I forget, but as a high school student, it was all quite challenging.
*Blockchain
This technology, also used in Bitcoin, which has been heard of recently, is primarily used for financial transactions and contracts. It was the first time blockchain was used in the clinical trial I participated in, where robots like the one managing patient data, such as me, share the task. I still wonder, what is a block? Each patient's data is managed as a block, and once created, robots manage them among themselves. If any intentional alteration occurs, it is immediately detected.
*Encrypted Communication
This is also complex. When sending emails or chatting on the internet, the text flows in a readable state, and anyone could intercept and view the contents. Even IDs and passwords are visible in regular communication.
*Rock's Role
Actually, what surprised me the most after researching is this. I had a feeling Rock was no ordinary robot from the start, but I didn't realize he was handling so many tasks. Well done, Rock. Firstly, his primary role is trial support, collecting necessary data daily and sending it to the cloud. For example, connecting directly to scales and blood pressure monitors to collect data, checking how medication is taken via camera, and supporting conversations with doctors during interviews through 3D chats. Secondly, he manages part of a decentralized database that handles blockchain data. This part is quite unclear to me. Each robot shares patient data collected by each other in blocks, so even if some robots malfunction, the data remains intact, and any unauthorized alteration can be detected.
In addition, robots share tasks like data analysis and collecting papers and materials online. They mentioned that around 300 people are participating in the trial I'm in, so it seems like 300 robots are dividing the workload.
After summarizing everything, I felt relieved knowing my weight data wouldn't be exposed online."