Which term refers to data that should not be disclosed publicly to protect privacy?

Which term refers to data that should not be disclosed publicly to protect privacy?

• A. Public information
• B. Open records
• C. Confidentiality
• D. Nonpublic

Answer: (C)

Confidentiality is the principle that information should be kept private and protected from unauthorized disclosure. When data must not be shared publicly to protect someone’s privacy, it is treated as confidential, meaning only authorized personnel with a legitimate need to know should have access, and proper safeguards are used to protect it. Public information and open records describe data that can be accessed by everyone, so they don’t fit. Nonpublic is less precise about the obligation to keep things private, whereas confidentiality explicitly conveys the privacy-protection requirement. For example, sensitive records like medical information or investigation details should remain confidential to prevent harm or stigma.

Confidentiality is the principle that information should be kept private and protected from unauthorized disclosure. When data must not be shared publicly to protect someone’s privacy, it is treated as confidential, meaning only authorized personnel with a legitimate need to know should have access, and proper safeguards are used to protect it. Public information and open records describe data that can be accessed by everyone, so they don’t fit. Nonpublic is less precise about the obligation to keep things private, whereas confidentiality explicitly conveys the privacy-protection requirement. For example, sensitive records like medical information or investigation details should remain confidential to prevent harm or stigma.