Confidentiality

Confidentiality is the condition of keeping a source’s identity hidden from other receivers of information. When a source is confidential, both the identity of the source and the nature of the information is withheld from others unless the source gives permission for the information to be shared. The nature of confidential information is private between the source and receiver.

Confidentiality is often a condition of information exchange, especially when the nature of the information may be controversial, sensitive, or problematic. As a result, confidentiality is considered as a means to prevent the information from falling into unsupportive or critical hands, therefore protecting the sender and intended receiver. For example, a letter may be marked confidential if the sender intends it only for a specific receiver and ...