Reframing Digital Health Sovereignty in the Era of Ethical AI

Abstract

The digital transformation of healthcare has accelerated in recent years, reshaping access to care and medical data management. This shift, amplified by the spread of telemedicine, has raised many challenges, particularly around equitable access between urban and rural areas. The COVID-19 crisis further underscored Morocco's urgent need to strengthen digital sovereignty to secure health data and enhance system resilience. Grounded in a systematic review, this study proposes a strategic model of digital sovereignty adapted to the Moroccan context. Findings indicate that sovereignty is a crucial lever for ensuring the ethical and secure management of health data, while also promoting interoperability with international standards. Special attention is given to ethical artificial intelligence, both as a driver and a challenge for responsible transformation, emphasizing the need to mitigate bias and safeguard equity. By mobilizing data governance, cybersecurity, innovation, ethical regulation, and regional cooperation, Morocco can advance a resilient and sovereign digital health system.