Unconsented

Unconsented is an adjective describing actions or data obtained without the consent of the subject or involved party. It is used to denote something performed or acquired without permission and can apply across domains such as medicine, research, privacy, or interpersonal interactions. The concept is closely tied to autonomy and the expectation that individuals control how and when actions are taken with respect to their persons and information.

In medicine, unconsented procedures or tests are typically prohibited and violate patient rights. Many jurisdictions provide exceptions for emergencies when obtaining consent is impracticable, or where law permits implied consent. In research and experimentation, unconsented studies are generally considered unethical and illegal without prior informed consent, with historical abuses contributing to strict governance by ethics boards and regulatory frameworks.

In information technology and data privacy, unconsented data collection or tracking means gathering personal information without the user’s explicit permission. Laws in many regions require informed consent for processing personal data, with penalties for violations. Organizations may rely on legally permissible bases such as legitimate interests or contract necessity, but these bases still require notice and adherence to user rights such as opt-out options.

The term is used descriptively, and its exact legal implications depend on jurisdiction and context. Related terms include nonconsensual and without consent, which may carry different connotations in different fields.