Final answer:
An organization can disclose personal information without consent in specific legal or ethical situations such as threats to public health or security, as guided by HIPAA or governmental acts like FOIA and the Sunshine Act. These situations balance individual privacy with public welfare and the security of operations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Organizations may disclose personal information without knowledge or consent under certain circumstances. These exceptions are typically driven by legal requirements and ethical considerations, and they occur within specific constraints to balance individual privacy with public welfare and security. For instance, in healthcare, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandates strict confidentiality of patient records. However, if nondisclosure poses a significant threat to public health, as in the case of a sexually transmitted disease, legal and ethical frameworks might allow or even require information sharing to prevent further harm.
Governmental transparency laws like the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Sunshine Act have exceptions where information disclosure is restricted due to national security, proprietary data protection, or to prevent financial harm. Moreover, in cases where large-scale data breaches occur, such as those experienced by Target or JP Morgan, organizations may be compelled to disclose breaches of personal data to affected individuals and regulatory authorities. While governments and organizations strive to safeguard personal information, they must also navigate the complex terrain of information regulation, transparency, and security in an increasingly digital world.