The closer and more confidential our relationship with someone the less we are entitled to ask about what we are not voluntarily told.

In intelligence work there are limits to the amount of information one can share. Confidentiality is essential.

A reporter's ability to keep the bond of confidentiality often enables him to learn the hidden or secret aspects of government.

In almost every profession - whether it's law or journalism finance or medicine or academia or running a small business - people rely on confidential communications to do their jobs. We count on the space of trust that confidentiality provides. When someone breaches that trust we are all worse off for it.