@article{article_1666043, title={Bioinformational Diplomacy and Mobile Health Apps: Response to Global Health Crises and International Cooperation}, journal={İletişim ve Diplomasi}, pages={117–146}, year={2025}, DOI={10.54722/iletisimvediplomasi.1666043}, author={Özgen, Nargis and Çömez, Ali}, keywords={COVİD-19, Veri Güvenliği, Sağlık İletişimi, biobilgi diplomasisi}, abstract={This study analyses the role of biological information diplomacy in international health crises within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on how political, technological, and diplomatic processes contribute to global health security. The international sharing of genetic sequencing data has accelerated vaccine and treatment development processes, enabling collective and rapid responses to global health threats. Based on a qualitative document analysis, the study utilises data gathered from official websites, academic literature, and international reports to draw its conclusions. During the global pandemic, mobile applications have played a significant role in supporting public health and facilitating data sharing. With features such as symptom tracking, exposure notifications, and risk zone identification, these applications have enhanced access to healthcare services. However, concerns about data privacy and security have emerged as fundamental issues that limit biological data sharing processes. Biological information diplomacy has proven to be a critical tool for enhancing international cooperation during health crises. While mobile technologies support its implementation, the development of data-sharing standards, reduction of inequalities, and enhancement of public trust are essential for achieving sustainable biodata diplomacy. The study underscores the contribution of equitable and fair information sharing to global health security in future crises. Drawing on innovative technological approaches, biological information diplomacy and mobile applications are expected to continue serving as effective tools at both the individual and societal levels. The data were analysed using MAXQDA 2024 software through thematic content analysis and were classified under three main themes: "objectives and functions," "data-sharing methods," and "public relations roles." The findings reveal that mobile health applications not only influence individual health behaviours but also play strategic roles in digital diplomacy, biodata diplomacy, crisis communication, and international public relations strategies. Transparent structures based on voluntary and anonymous data sharing have facilitated collaboration in health data, while in-app communication mechanisms have increased public trust during crises and contributed to the construction of a positive public image of the government. The results indicate that these technologies hold strategic value for both healthcare delivery and sustainable diplomacy in future global health emergencies.}, number={14}, publisher={Cumhurbaşkanlığı İletişim Başkanlığı}