Tavhedspligt

Tavhedspligt, a Danish term, translates to a duty of silence or confidentiality. It is a legal concept that imposes an obligation on individuals, particularly those in certain professional capacities, to refrain from disclosing sensitive or private information that they have acquired during their work. This duty is often established through professional codes of conduct, employment contracts, or specific legislation.

The primary purpose of tavhedspligt is to protect the privacy of individuals and to maintain trust in professional relationships. For instance, doctors have tavhedspligt regarding their patients' medical histories, lawyers are bound to keep client communications confidential, and public officials must often maintain secrecy about certain governmental matters. Breaches of tavhedspligt can have serious consequences, including disciplinary actions, professional sanctions, civil lawsuits, and in some cases, criminal penalties.

The scope of tavhedspligt can vary depending on the profession and the specific legal framework. It generally applies to information that is not publicly known and that could cause harm or embarrassment if revealed. The duty of silence typically continues even after the professional relationship has ended. Exceptions to tavhedspligt may exist in cases where disclosure is legally mandated, such as reporting child abuse or cooperating with a criminal investigation, or when there is a clear and imminent danger to public safety.