Digital Twins of Natural Persons

The term "digital twin" refers to the digital representation of objects or processes for simulation purposes. However, it is increasingly used to describe the digital modeling of biological or medical processes, potentially enabling new approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. In theory, at least, it will soon be possible to create a complete digital representation of an individual.

However, a consensus regarding the definition of a digital twin of a natural person has not yet been established; at times, the term is used merely as a buzzword. Nevertheless, certain characteristic features have already emerged within the medical context—such as the continuous updating of a virtual twin with real-time data.

Based on the established technical characteristics of this phenomenon, Prof. Dr. Alfred Früh’s team is using this project to address normative questions raised by the comprehensive digital modeling of individuals and their attributes. The research specifically examines whether existing data protection and personality rights frameworks are appropriately balanced for this type of data usage, what a data governance model for digital twins might look like, and how medical device regulations should address the fact that digital twins are subject to continuous updates.

Presentations and Events:

Tech Law Workshop - Digital Twins, organized by the Schweizer Forum für Kommunikationsrecht (SF FS) in Cooperation the Center for Life Sciences-Law (ZLSR), FFHS Gleisarena Zurich, Oct. 5, 2026