Confidentiality (glossary entry)

Confidentiality is to be distinguished from secrecy.

Secrecy is a simpler concept, it just means that something is known by one party and not by another.

Confidentiality refers to secrecy for specific purposes. In general, the purpose is to prevent harm or damage of some kind. In other words, confidentiality is a way to accomplish security. These three things (secrecy, security, and confidentiality) are often conflated to deleterious effect.

See also MCV01 and MCV10.

Informal Oath of Confidentiality for Meetings

Often men in MDI and similar groups wish to establish an agreement to respect confidentiality at a meeting. Typically they ask everyone to agree to a "Vegas rule" policy. The following statement more accurately formalises the type of behaviour that is typically expected and actually implemented in such groups.

We live by a Code of Honor.
One element of that code is — Respect Confidentiality.
Everything that is brought here in confidence,
   will be treated with respect.
We do this to make our meetings a safe place
   for us to be open, honest, and fully present.
Is there anyone here who cannot agree
   to confidentiality as stated?
(pause)
Everyone who agrees to abide by confidentiality,
   give a thumbs-up sign.
(pause)
We have established this as a safe circle.

This page was written in the "embarrassingly readable" markup language RHTF, and was last updated on 2025 Aug 21.

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