As the new era of digital transformation unfolds, with technology impacting so many care interactions, it is imperative that health technologies are properly understood. Digital health research must be accessible to decision-makers, frontline clinicians and patients. There are many legitimate questions that should be asked -  Are digital systems safe and effective? Are confidential patient data stored securely? Do we understand how AI systems make clinical decisions? The Editor in Chief of BMJ Digital Health and AI, will explore these questions and suggest some answers.