Fshehtësi

Fshehtësi is the quality or state of keeping information hidden or protected from disclosure. It encompasses the act of withholding information as well as the condition in which information is inaccessible to unauthorized persons. In Albanian usage, fshehtësi can refer to personal privacy, professional confidentiality, or state secrets, depending on the context.

Etymology: The term derives from the adjective fshehtë, meaning hidden, with the suffix -si forming a noun that denotes a state or quality. This creates a concept that describes the overall notion of secrecy or confidentiality.

Contexts and types: Fshehtësi personale refers to personal privacy and the control individuals have over their own information. Fshehtësi e të dhënave denotes data confidentiality, including protections against unauthorized processing or disclosure. Fshehtësi profesionale concerns confidentiality obligations within professional relationships, such as doctor-patient or lawyer-client privileges. Fshehtësi shtetërore describes state secrecy, where information deemed sensitive for national security or diplomacy is kept classified.

Legal and ethical aspects: In most jurisdictions, fshehtësi and privacy are regulated by data protection laws and rules governing classified information. International standards, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), influence national frameworks and emphasize lawful processing, transparency, and individuals’ rights over their data. Balancing fshehtësi with the public interest and other rights is a common legal and ethical consideration.

Cultural and practical significance: Fshehtësi supports trust in communication, professional relationships, and governance. In the digital age, concerns about data privacy, cybersecurity, and information sharing highlight the ongoing relevance of fshehtësi as a foundational concept in law, policy, and everyday life. See also: privacy, confidentiality, data protection, information security.