Confidentiality Agreements

Confidentiality agreements are contractual arrangements between two parties to keep something private, without external disclosure. For example, if a lawsuit [Page 398]is filed and later settled, a confidentiality agreement might be entered into preventing either party from disclosing to anyone else information about the lawsuit or the settlement. Confidentiality agreements in business can involve various organizational stakeholders. Sometimes confidentiality agreements are necessary for the conduct of business. But sometimes confidentiality agreements work against broader social interests. The main ethical issues with regard to confidentiality in business focus on the intent of maintaining confidentiality and are context specific.