The most common privacy violations include:
1) Impermissible disclosures to unauthorized persons: This violation occurs when protected information is shared or disclosed to individuals or entities without proper authorization. For example, if a healthcare provider shares a patient's medical records with a third party without the patient's consent or without a valid legal reason, it would be considered an impermissible disclosure.
2) Unauthorized access to personal information: This violation involves gaining unauthorized access to personal data. It can occur when individuals or entities access sensitive information without proper authorization or legitimate reason. For instance, if a person hacks into a computer system to obtain personal health information, it would be considered unauthorized access.
3) Improper handling of sensitive data: This violation refers to mishandling or improper disposal of sensitive data, such as not following proper protocols for the storage, transmission, or destruction of protected information. For example, if a healthcare provider leaves medical records unattended in a public area where unauthorized individuals can view or access them, it would be considered improper handling of sensitive data.
4) Failure to secure confidential information: This violation occurs when appropriate measures are not taken to safeguard confidential information from unauthorized access, loss, or theft. It can involve inadequate security controls, weak passwords, lack of encryption, or failure to implement necessary safeguards. For instance, if a healthcare organization fails to secure their computer systems, leading to a data breach and unauthorized access to patient information, it would be considered a failure to secure confidential information.
These are some of the most common privacy violations that can occur in various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and technology. It is crucial for organizations and individuals to prioritize privacy and security measures to protect sensitive information and comply with applicable laws and regulations.