Revolutionising emergency response with Secure Multi-Organisation Data Sharing

In the high-stakes world of emergency services, access to accurate, real-time information can literally be the difference between life and death. But traditional systems of data sharing among emergency service organisations (ESOs) often struggle with issues like data silos, slow information dissemination and concerns about privacy.

The Secure Multi-Organisation Data-Sharing (SMODS) Project, funded by the Connectivity Innovation Network (CIN), is a groundbreaking decentralised data-sharing platform that seamlessly connects data from multiple organisations in a way which preserves privacy and provides controls to appropriately deal with sensitive information. By enabling real-time, privacy-preserving data sharing across ESOs, SMODS is set to revolutionise data sharing in support of emergency response and situational awareness. This article explores how SMODS addresses these challenges and sets a new standard for secure and efficient data sharing in the realm of emergency services.

The SMODS Project: a game changer in data sharing

At its core, SMODS is designed to overcome the limitations of existing data-sharing systems, providing a decentralised, secure platform that enables data sharing across organisations. Led by Professor Ren Ping Liu and Dr Xu Wang from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), in collaboration with World Data Exchange (WDX), this innovative platform is billed as the first data-sharing platform to incorporate the Australian Computer Society’s (ACS) 2023 Data Sharing Framework, to evaluate data privacy levels, assess access risks and manage data life cycles.

One of the standout features of SMODS is its sophisticated data-centric, privacy-preserving access control (DPAC) scheme, which ensures that users can access only the data they are qualified to view. This is particularly crucial in emergency situations, where different organisations — each with varying levels of data sensitivity — must collaborate seamlessly. By integrating with existing authentication systems through the OAuth protocol, SMODS provides a seamless user experience while maintaining robust security and privacy measures.

Collaboration and consultation: the key to success

The development of SMODS has been a collaborative effort, with extensive consultation from key stakeholders such as Fire and Rescue NSW and Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW). These consultations have been instrumental in ensuring that the platform meets the specific needs of emergency services, enabling secure and efficient data sharing not just among government agencies but also between the government and private sectors.

Addressing the limitations of existing systems

Traditional data-sharing systems often rely on manual processes and fragmented communication channels, which can result in delays and inefficiencies, particularly during emergencies. SMODS tackles these challenges by creating direct connections between users and data owners, facilitating quick and secure data sharing. This is especially important in time-critical situations, where every second counts.

Limitations of existing data-sharing services.

For example, in a potential SLSNSW emergency response scenario, the SMODS platform allows for real-time video and image sharing between lifeguards, drone operators and other emergency responders. The system’s ability to handle varying levels of data sensitivity, from anonymised multimedia to full access to raw data files, ensures that privacy is maintained without compromising the quality or timeliness of the information.

Technological innovation: the backbone of SMODS

SMODS is powered by cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), image processing and cross-organisational authentication technologies that ensure the platform is not only secure but also efficient and user-friendly. The integration of AI technologies enables the automated generation of data products, such as real-time video streams, which are shared with stringent privacy standards. This is particularly important in emergency situations, where the ability to access real-time information can significantly improve situational awareness and decision-making.

A key feature of SMODS is its ability to provide multiple views of the same data, tailored to the specific needs of different users. For instance, first responders might require unblurred, real-time footage with precise location data, while remote monitoring officers might need a version of the data that balances privacy with essential information. This flexibility is crucial in ensuring that all users have access to the information they need while maintaining the highest standards of privacy and security.

Overcoming the challenges of data sharing

One of the major challenges in data sharing, particularly in emergency situations, is ensuring that data is shared quickly and securely without compromising privacy. SMODS addresses this challenge by implementing a decentralised platform that connects users directly with data owners. This not only speeds up the process of data sharing but also ensures that sensitive information remains secure.

Another challenge that SMODS overcomes is the issue of data silos, which can hinder the flow of information between different organisations. By enabling seamless server-to-server authentication and communication, SMODS ensures that data is shared efficiently and effectively, allowing for quick, informed decision-making during emergencies.

Decentralised data sharing.

Looking ahead: the future of SMODS

The SMODS team is focused on promoting early adoption within emergency services and government sectors, with the goal of enhancing platform functionality, improving user experience and establishing strategic partnerships. The rollout of the Public Safety Mobile Broadband (PSMB) network marks a significant advancement, delivering secure and reliable communication for our ESOs. This new infrastructure will greatly facilitate the adoption of the SMODS platform, enabling ESOs to share critical data in real time with enhanced reliability and security. By leveraging the PSMB network, SMODS will ensure seamless collaboration between agencies, leading to faster and more coordinated responses during emergencies, ultimately improving public safety outcomes.

Looking ahead, the project’s long-term vision is to advocate for the ACS Data Sharing Framework, setting a new standard in ethical and efficient data-sharing practices across various industries. As the project continues to evolve, the SMODS team is committed to demonstrating the platform’s applicability in a broader range of sectors. By doing so, they aim to establish SMODS as a crucial tool in vital operational settings, while also advocating for its wider adoption. This strategy not only positions SMODS as a leader in data sharing but also sets the stage for a future where secure and efficient data sharing is the norm, rather than the exception.