ABSTRACT
Research involving human beings raises issues about confidentiality in relation
to the recruitment of participants, protection of their data during the research
process, and protection of their identities when the research findings are being
disseminated. Therefore, like consent, confidentiality plays a major role in the
work of research ethics committees (RECs). In general, the duty of confidence
requires that certain information is kept secret, and as such it is also a crucial
aspect of many types of professional relationship. For example, Lord Keith
claimed in Attorney General v Guardian Newspapers (No 2) (1988) that:
[T]he law has long recognized that an obligation of confidence can arise
out of particular relationships. Examples are the relationships of doctor and
patient, priest and penitent, solicitor and client, banker and customer.
