Healthcare research heavily relies on patient data, raising challenges due to stringent data protection legislation. Synthetic data is presented as a solution, offering privacy while facilitating research. This essay delves into the intersection of synthetic data and data protection law, analysing its regulatory implications, benefits, and disadvantages. Synthetic data shows value in various healthcare applications, from medical imaging to epidemiological studies. However, drawbacks like bias amplification and data quality assessment are still a concern. While synthetic data holds potential, regulatory frameworks need refinement nto fully leverage its capability to be considered a “Holy Grail”.

COSTA, Marta Beleza; GOULÃO, Miguel (2024). «Synthetic data: a holy grail to healthcare research?». In Coutinho, F. P.; Moniz, G. C. (Coord.) (2024) Anuário da proteção de Dados 2024. CEDIS, pp. 166–192. ISSN: 2184-5468