Which statement best describes privacy in research ethics?

Which statement best describes privacy in research ethics?

• A. Privacy is the obligation to keep data confidential.
• B. Privacy is the right of individuals to be protected against intrusion into their personal lives or affairs.
• C. Privacy is the obligation to share data securely.
• D. Privacy is the concept of anonymization.

Answer: (D)

Privacy in research ethics means individuals have the right to control access to information about themselves and to be protected from unwarranted intrusion into their personal lives. The statement that privacy is the right to be protected against intrusion best captures this protective boundary and autonomy. Confidentiality focuses on keeping data secret; data security concerns preventing unauthorized access during handling; anonymization is a practical technique used to reduce identifiability and protect privacy. In short, privacy centers on control and protection, with anonymization as a tool to help achieve that protection.

Privacy in research ethics means individuals have the right to control access to information about themselves and to be protected from unwarranted intrusion into their personal lives. The statement that privacy is the right to be protected against intrusion best captures this protective boundary and autonomy. Confidentiality focuses on keeping data secret; data security concerns preventing unauthorized access during handling; anonymization is a practical technique used to reduce identifiability and protect privacy. In short, privacy centers on control and protection, with anonymization as a tool to help achieve that protection.