Why are Secure Processing Environments important?

Secure Processing Environments (SPEs) are specialized technical and organizational infrastructures designed to enable the safe use of sensitive health data. These environments play a crucial role in ensuring data protection and security in both national and European health data management.

Goals of SPEs

• Protection of Sensitive Data: Data remains within the SPE, preventing unauthorized transfers.
• Controlled Data Usage: Limits processing to only what is necessary for a given project.
• Data Sovereignty: Prevents unauthorized duplication, modification, or distribution of data.

Legal and European Framework for Secure Processing Environments

• Health Data Use Act (GDNG): The use of SPEs is explicitly required by law to enable the secure linkage and use of health data for research.
• TEHDAS2: DACO collaborates with European partners to develop guidelines and technical specifications for harmonized SPE use across Europe.
• EHDS Regulation: SPEs ensure that cross-border health data usage is secure and compliant with EU regulations.