When Does Privacy Become Secrecy?
- Alexandra Suarez
- Apr 4
- 1 min read
What Is Privacy?
Privacy is the right or choice to control your personal information, actions, and boundaries. It’s about deciding who gets access to parts of your life, and under what circumstances.
Key Points
Rooted in autonomy and dignity
Not inherently suspicious
Control over personal information
It's about managing access, it's not about hiding wrongdoing
Emotion attached: neutral, healthy
Moral weight: usually none
Examples:
Not sharing your medical records with coworkers.
Locking your phone.
What Is Secrecy?
Secrecy is the intentional act of concealing information, usually because revealing it
might have consequences on a personal, social, or ethical level.
Key Points
Concealment of information
Often carries an implication of avoidance
Can be benign (planning a surprise) or harmful (hiding misconduct)
Emotion attached: Often guilt or fear (but not always)
Moral weight: depends on the intention
Examples:
Concealing financial trouble from a partner.
Deleting messages to hide behaviour.