taushetsplikten

Taushetsplikten, or taushetsplikt, is the legal obligation to protect information obtained in the course of professional work from disclosure to others. The duty aims to safeguard individuals’ privacy and to maintain trust in public and private services. It covers information about a person’s health, personal circumstances, and other sensitive data acquired through professional contact.

The obligation applies to a broad range of professional groups that handle confidential information, including health personnel, social workers, counselors, teachers, and staff in child welfare services, as well as clergy and other professionals with access to sensitive data. The exact scope and consequences of the duty are defined in sector-specific laws and in general privacy legislation.

In Norway, the confidentiality framework rests on multiple legal sources. Health personnel are bound by the Health Personnel Act, which contains strong confidentiality provisions. General rules are complemented by the Personal Data Act and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which regulate how information may be processed, stored, and shared. Public administration also operates under general secrecy and privacy principles.

Disclosures are generally prohibited unless there is consent from the data subject or a lawful exception applies. Exceptions include situations where disclosure is necessary to provide proper care, to prevent harm, or to enable cooperation among professionals involved in a case. In some circumstances, authorities may require reporting or sharing information under statutory duties. Breaches of taushetsplikten can lead to disciplinary measures, civil liability, or criminal sanctions depending on the severity and applicable laws.