Privacy vs. Confidentiality: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 20, 2023
"Privacy" is individuals' right to keep personal info undisclosed; "Confidentiality" is the obligation not to share others' private information.
Key Differences
"Privacy" pertains to the right of individuals to keep their information undisclosed and control over their personal data, whereas "Confidentiality" refers to the responsibility of keeping someone else's information private.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
"Privacy" is a broader concept, often related to the right to be left alone, while "Confidentiality" specifically concerns the handling and protection of sensitive information.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
"Privacy" is a personal right exercised by individuals, whereas "Confidentiality" is an obligation often present in professional relationships, such as between doctor and patient, or lawyer and client.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
Breaches of "Privacy" typically involve unauthorized access to personal information, while breaches of "Confidentiality" involve disclosure of information trusted to an individual or organization.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
"Privacy" often deals with the protection from public scrutiny, whereas "Confidentiality" maintains the secrecy of information shared within a trusted relationship.
Harlon Moss
Nov 20, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Right to keep personal info undisclosed
Obligation to protect shared private info
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
Scope
Broader, related to personal space
Specific to information shared in trust
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
Legal Implication
Protected by privacy laws
Governed by confidentiality agreements
Janet White
Nov 20, 2023
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Privacy and Confidentiality Definitions
Confidentiality
Trust in non-disclosure
She told her friend the secret, relying on her confidentiality.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
Confidentiality
Secrecy agreement
The lawyer assured confidentiality of the conversation.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
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Confidentiality
Discretion
Confidentiality is a key part of his role as a counselor.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Privacy
Freedom from public attention
Celebrities often struggle to maintain their privacy.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Confidentiality
Protection of private information
Patient confidentiality is crucial in healthcare.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Privacy
The quality or condition of being secluded from the presence or view of others
I need some privacy to change into my bathing suit.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Confidentiality
Non-sharing agreement
All employees signed a confidentiality clause.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Privacy
The state of being free from public attention or unsanctioned intrusion
A person's right to privacy.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Privacy
(uncountable) The state of being secluded from the presence, sight, or knowledge of others.
I need my privacy, so please stay out of my room.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Confidentiality
Entrusted with the confidence of another
A confidential secretary.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Privacy
(uncountable) Freedom from unwanted or undue disturbance of one's private life.
It takes a village to rob one of a sense of privacy.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Privacy
(uncountable) Freedom from damaging publicity, public scrutiny, surveillance, and disclosure of personal information, usually by a government or a private organization.
Privacy is assumed by many to be among common-law rights.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Confidentiality
Containing information, the unauthorized disclosure of which poses a threat to national security.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Privacy
A relationship between parties seen as being a result of their mutual interest or participation in a given transaction, contract etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Confidentiality
The state or attribute of being secret; privacy; as, you must respect the confidentiality of your client's communications.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Privacy
The state of being in retirement from the company or observation of others; seclusion.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Confidentiality
The state of being secret;
You must respect the confidentiality of your client's communications
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Privacy
A place of seclusion from company or observation; retreat; solitude; retirement.
Her sacred privacies all open lie.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Privacy
Control over personal information
Online users are fighting for digital privacy.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
FAQs
What happens if confidentiality is breached?
It can lead to legal penalties or professional censure.
Harlon Moss
Nov 20, 2023
Can privacy be waived?
Yes, individuals can choose to share private information.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
Is confidentiality legally binding?
Yes, through contracts and professional ethics rules.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
Does privacy only apply to personal data?
It primarily concerns personal data, but also relates to personal space and body.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
Is privacy a human right?
Yes, it's recognized internationally as a fundamental human right.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
Are there limits to privacy?
Yes, e.g., law enforcement can breach privacy under certain conditions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
Can confidentiality be broken legally?
Yes, if it's in the public interest or required by law.
Janet White
Nov 20, 2023
Why is confidentiality critical in healthcare?
To protect patient rights and maintain trust in medical professionals.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
How does technology affect privacy?
It poses challenges due to data collection and surveillance capabilities.
Harlon Moss
Nov 20, 2023
Can children exercise privacy?
To a degree, but it's limited based on age and safety concerns.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
What's the difference between confidentiality and anonymity?
Confidentiality protects identity disclosure, while anonymity means identity is unknown.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
How is confidentiality maintained in digital communications?
Through encryption and secure data handling protocols.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
Can you demand privacy in public spaces?
Expectations of privacy are reduced in public, but certain rights remain.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
Are home privacy and online privacy equal?
They're distinct; home privacy concerns physical space, online privacy concerns data.
Harlon Moss
Nov 20, 2023
How can individuals enhance their privacy?
Through measures like data encryption, secure passwords, and not oversharing information.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
Who is responsible for maintaining confidentiality?
The individual or entity entrusted with the information.
Harlon Moss
Nov 20, 2023
Is confidentiality permanent?
It lasts as long as the agreement stipulates, or indefinitely for certain professions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
What constitutes a violation of confidentiality?
Sharing protected information without consent or legal justification.
Janet White
Nov 20, 2023
Do privacy rights change across countries?
Yes, laws and cultural expectations of privacy vary.
Harlon Moss
Nov 20, 2023
What's a confidentiality breach in counseling?
Unauthorized disclosure of client information.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 20, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
