Definition: The right to confidentiality and secrecy refers to the principle that personal or sensitive information, once shared in a specific context, should not be further disclosed without the consent of the individual. This right is a fundamental aspect of information management, particularly in the field of Information Technology (IT), where data is often stored, processed, and transmitted digitally. It ensures that personal data, such as names, addresses, financial information, and other private details, are protected from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. This right is not only crucial for individual privacy but also for maintaining trust in digital systems and services.
Source: EIRA team
Additional information: The right to confidentiality and secrecy is a fundamental aspect of information management and data protection. It refers to the obligation to keep certain information undisclosed and inaccessible to unauthorized individuals, entities, or processes. This right is particularly crucial in the context of personal data, where individuals are entitled to have their personal information kept private and secure.
In the realm of information technology, the right to confidentiality and secrecy is often associated with the principles of privacy and security. It implies that information systems and technologies should be designed and operated in a way that respects and protects the confidentiality of the data they process. This includes implementing appropriate technical and organizational measures to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction of the data.
The right to confidentiality and secrecy also extends to the communication and transfer of data. This means that any data transmitted over networks should be adequately protected to ensure its confidentiality during transit. This can be achieved through various means, such as encryption, secure protocols, and secure network architectures.
Moreover, the right to confidentiality and secrecy also involves certain obligations for those who handle the data. They are required to respect the confidentiality of the data they process and to refrain from disclosing it without proper authorization. This includes not only IT professionals but also other employees and third parties who have access to the data.
In addition, the right to confidentiality and secrecy also implies a right to be informed about any breaches of confidentiality. This means that if the confidentiality of the data is compromised, the affected individuals should be promptly notified so that they can take appropriate measures to protect themselves.
Overall, the right to confidentiality and secrecy is a key component of data protection and privacy in the field of information technology. It is essential for ensuring the trust and confidence of individuals in the digital environment, and for promoting the responsible and ethical use of information technologies.
Example: 1. Medical Records: In the healthcare sector, the right to confidentiality and secrecy is crucial. Medical records contain sensitive information about a patient's health history, treatments, and diagnoses. This information is protected under laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, which ensures that this data cannot be disclosed without the patient's explicit consent.
2. Financial Information: Banks and financial institutions hold a large amount of personal and financial information about their customers. This information is protected by confidentiality and secrecy rights, meaning that it cannot be disclosed to third parties without the customer's consent. This includes details about transactions, account balances, and financial history.
3. Legal Proceedings: In legal proceedings, the right to confidentiality and secrecy is often applied. For instance, the details of a case, the identities of the parties involved, and the evidence presented may all be kept confidential to protect the rights and privacy of those involved.
4. Employment Records: Employers hold a significant amount of personal and professional information about their employees. This can include performance reviews, salary information, and personal contact details. The right to confidentiality and secrecy means that this information cannot be disclosed without the employee's consent.
5. Online Communications: With the rise of digital technology, online communications such as emails, instant messages, and social media posts have become a significant area where the right to confidentiality and secrecy is applied. Service providers are required to protect the privacy of these communications and cannot disclose the content or details of these communications without the user's consent.
6. Research Data: In research, particularly in fields such as social sciences and health, data collected from participants is often sensitive. The right to confidentiality and secrecy ensures that this data is kept private and is not disclosed without the participant's consent. This can include details about the participant's identity, their responses to research questions, and any data derived from their participation.
LOST view: OV-Information Base
Identifier: http://data.europa.eu/dr8/egovera/RightToConfidentialityAndSecrecyBusinessObject
EIRA traceability: eira:InformationBusinessObject
ABB name: egovera:RightToConfidentialityAndSecrecyBusinessObject
EIRA concept: eira:ArchitectureBuildingBlock
Last modification: 2023-07-27
dct:identifier: http://data.europa.eu/dr8/egovera/RightToConfidentialityAndSecrecyBusinessObject
dct:title: Right to confidentiality and secrecy Information