konfidentsiaalsusega

Konfidentsiaalsusega is an Estonian legal and linguistic term that refers to information or actions that are performed "with confidentiality" or "under confidentiality." The term is frequently used in the context of privacy law, professional ethics, and data protection. In Estonia, confidentiality is protected by the Personal Data Act, the Health Care Act, and various professional codes of conduct. These regulations require that individuals and organizations handle personal data and sensitive information only according to legal provisions and with a duty of secrecy.

In the legal sense, confidentiality (konfidentsiaalsus) is a substantive right that protects personal data from disclosure. When a duty of confidentiality exists, any disclosure that is not permitted by law can constitute a violation and may lead to civil claims, criminal sanctions, or professional disciplinary measures. For example, doctors, lawyers, and social workers are bound by strict confidentiality rules when dealing with client information. The notion of konfidentsiaalsusega also appears in corporate contexts, where trade secrets and proprietary information must be kept secret to preserve competitive advantage.

The term is used in Estonian court decisions, administrative regulations, and professional guidelines. It is typically interpreted within the framework of the General Data Protection Regulation, which applies across the European Union, and in national statutes that define the scope and limits of confidentiality. The principle of konfidentsiaalsusega underlines the centrality of privacy protection in Estonian legal culture and is considered a cornerstone of the rule of law and public trust.