The European Commission has launched a public consultation on Standards for the Digital Single Market (DSM). The aim is to gather views on priorities for standards in key technology areas which are critical to achieving the DSM. eHealth is one of these key areas where standards need to be built.

"Broadly speaking, we are following up on the eHealth action plan and the mHealth green paper that are our main policy documents in this sector," Peteris Zilgalvis, Head of Unit, eHealth and Well Being, DG CONNECT at the European Commission, told HealthManagement.org.

"Importantly, with the mHealth green paper we are facilitating a code of conduct on privacy in the framework of the data protection directive. Then there is an action being discussed right now on validation and certification of mHealth apps," Mr. Zilgalvis added.

Aside from eHealth, the Commission is also looking for input on standards in these technology areas: 5G communications, cloud computing,cybersecurity, data driven services and applications, digitisation of European industry, intelligent transport systems (ITS), Internet of Things, smart cities, and efficient energy use.

The public consultation is open until 16 December 2015. With this consultation, the Commission seeks input from Standards Development Organisations, companies, researchers, stakeholders' associations, public authorities and any interested party.

The contributions to this consultation will serve to build an ICT Priority Standards Plan, as set out in the Digital Single Market Strategy presented by the Commission on 6 May.

Andrus Ansip, European Commission Vice-President for the Digital Single Market, said: "We need common standards and interoperability to make the best of fast-growing sectors such as cloud computing and the Internet of Things. We also need them to promote e-government services around Europe and a more inclusive e-society. Systems must be able to connect and 'talk' to other digital devices — across countries and sectors. Europe should be on top of standard-setting worldwide."

Günther H. Oettinger, Commissioner for the Digital Economy and Society, said: "Europe cannot be at the forefront of the digital revolution with a fragmented digital market. It is essential to have common standards and interoperable solutions throughout the products and services. The digital economy should not be developed in locked environments and platforms."

Lucie Robson, Senior Editor, HealthManagement.org

Source: European Commission; Interview
Image Credit: European Commission

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healthmanagement, eHealth, mHealth, data protection, European Commission, EU, technology The European Commission has launched a public consultation on Standards for the Digital Single Market (DSM). The aim is to gather views on priorities for standards in key technology areas which are critical to achieving the DSM. eHealth is one of these ke