Your health data has value. But can you actually earn from it, and do it safely, legally, and on your own terms?
This guide breaks down how ethical data monetisation works, what the law says about your consent, and how platforms like BlockMedâŻPro are creating secure ways for patients to take control of their information and benefit from it.
What Does It Mean to âMonetiseâ Health Data?
Data monetisation doesnât mean selling your identity. It means allowing trusted organisations, like research groups, digital health innovators or public health agencies; to access specific, consented information from your health record, often in anonymised or pseudonymised form.
In return, you might receive financial rewards, service benefits, or tokens via privacyâconscious platforms.
According to PwCâs Data Monetisation and Beyond report (2025), the world is moving toward a âdata economy,â where individuals can participate and share value more fairly, instead of letting large corporations hold all the benefit. The NHS Health Plan has also acknowledged this shift, supporting transparent, ethically governed dataâsharing models that maintain public trust (NHSâŻHealthâŻPlanâŻ2025).
Who Owns Your Health Data?
In the UK, your GP or NHS organisation legally controls your health record. They are considered the data controllers, meaning they store and manage it securely. However, you âthe patientâ, have strong rights under the UKâŻGDPR (GeneralâŻData ProtectionâŻRegulation) and the Data Protection ActâŻ2018.
These rights include:
- Giving or refusing consent for nonâcareârelated use of your data
- Accessing, correcting or deleting your health information
- Choosing to opt out of any dataâsharing beyond your direct care
More details are explained in GDPRâInfoâs Consent Overview.
What Consent Really Means
Consent under GDPR isnât just a tick box. It has to meet strict legal standards to be valid.
For consent to be lawful, it must be:
- Freely given; you have a genuine choice without pressure
- Specific; clear about exactly what data and why
- Informed; you fully understand what youâre agreeing to
- Unambiguous; given through a clear affirmative action
- Easy to withdraw; you can change your mind at any time
As explained in GDPRâŻArticlesâŻ6âŻandâŻ7, once withdrawn, any ongoing data processing must stop immediately. This principle is also reflected in NHS and ICO guidance: if consent is the chosen legal basis, organisations cannot switch to âlegitimate interestsâ later.
How Platforms Like BlockMedâŻPro Work
Platforms such as BlockMedâŻPro represent the next generation of patientâdriven data control. They use blockchain technology and privacyâpreserving frameworks so users can decide if and how their data is shared.
Hereâs how a compliant platform typically operates:
- You hold and control your own datasets.
- Any sharing requires your explicit consent.
- Blockchain records every access request, making usage transparent.
- Data remains encrypted and traceable at all times.
- You may earn compensation if your anonymised data supports approved research or innovation projects.
While these systems empower patients, they must still follow GDPR requirements and the NHSâs ValueâŻSharingâŻFramework, ensuring all benefits are distributed fairly between individuals, the NHS, and society (NHSâŻEnglandâŻValueâŻSharingâŻGuidance,âŻ2023).
Is It Legal to Earn from Your Data?
Yes, provided your consent is informed and the platform complies with the UKâŻGDPR and NHSâŻdataâprotectionâŻrules. Ethical data monetisation relies on three core principles highlighted by IBMâsâŻDataâŻMonetisation Strategy:
- Transparency: You should always know how your data is being used.
- Security: Data must be anonymised, encrypted, and accessed only under lawful agreements.
- FairâŻValue: You deserve to understand what value is exchanged, financial or otherwise, when your data supports research or innovation.
If a company cannot clearly explain how your data will be stored, who can access it, or how consent works, itâs best to avoid engaging with them.
What Kind of Data Has Value?
Different sectors value different types of health data, including:
- Medical histories, diagnoses, and treatments
- Prescribed medication details
- Lifestyle and activity data from apps or wearables
- Biometric or genetic information (processed only with explicit consent)
- Symptomâtracking or wellbeing logs
Combined, these anonymised datasets help researchers design new diagnostics, track disease trends, and improve preventive care, all while ensuring your identity remains protected.
Your Rights and Responsibilities
| What you can do | How | More info |
| Access your NHS health record | Use the NHSâŻApp or contact your GP surgery | ViewâŻGPâŻHealthâŻRecord |
| Opt out of data sharing | Via the NHSâŻNationalâŻDataâŻOptâOut service | YourâŻDataâŻMatters |
| Withdraw consent from platforms | Use platform account settings | Check each privacy policy |
| Request full record copies (SAR) | Submit a written SubjectâŻAccessâŻRequest | NHSâŻSARâŻGuidance |
The Takeaway
Health data monetisation has the potential to open a more balanced digital economy, one where individuals share in the benefits their data helps create. But thatâs only ethical when privacy, transparency, and informed consent sit at the centre of every interaction.
If you decide to participate, make it your choice; clearly, confidently, and with full understanding of where your data goes and what you gain.
This guide is provided by My Patient Advice, drawing on verified GDPR, NHS and government sources to help you make informed decisions about your data and your rights.
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Frequently Asked Questions
 Am I legally able to earn from my health data?
Yes, as long as the data is anonymised and you give informed consent. UK GDPR permits data sharing for non-care purposes when identifiable details are protected or removed. You canât âsellâ your NHS records, but you can take part in approved platforms that offer ethical ways to share and benefit from your data.
BlockMed Pro complies with GDPR by recording how consent is given, shared, and withdrawn. Its blockchain-based design keeps transactions tamper-proof and fully auditable.
How can I earn money from my health data safely and legally?
You can only earn from data that is anonymised and shared voluntarily.
Platforms such as BlockMed Pro use smart contracts to grant access to certain datasets and distribute rewards to patients who share data for research.Â
The system meets GDPR standards and maintains full audit records of consent transactions.
