What term refers to the obligation to protect individuals' privacy by not disclosing information without permission?

The term that refers to the obligation to protect individuals' privacy by not disclosing their information without permission is confidentiality. This principle is foundational in various professional settings, including healthcare, legal, and education, where sensitive information is often handled. Confidentiality ensures that personal information is kept secure and is only shared with authorized individuals or entities who have received explicit consent from the individual whose data is being discussed.

In contrast, integrity pertains to maintaining accuracy and consistency in data, which is important but not directly related to the obligation of protecting individuals' privacy. A privacy policy is a formal document outlining how an organization collects, uses, and protects personal data, rather than the actual obligation to keep that data confidential. Data protection refers to the broader legal frameworks and technological measures that are designed to guard personal data, but it doesn't specifically pinpoint the obligation to maintain confidentiality in the context of individual privacy. Thus, confidentiality is the most precise term for the responsibility to protect personal information from unauthorized disclosure.