Privacy vs. Secrecy — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 16, 2023
"Privacy" refers to the right or condition of being free from public attention or unauthorized intrusion. "Secrecy" involves the deliberate act of keeping information hidden or undisclosed, often to gain an advantage or avoid scrutiny.
Difference Between Privacy and Secrecy
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Key Differences
"Privacy" is essentially about one's right to keep personal matters to oneself and to be free from public scrutiny or surveillance. "Secrecy," on the other hand, is more about actively hiding specific information, often with the intent to deceive or manipulate situations.
Both "Privacy" and "Secrecy" can serve as nouns and, at times, they may be used interchangeably, but they have different connotations. "Privacy" usually denotes a neutral, sometimes legally protected, space where personal matters are kept away from the public eye. "Secrecy" often involves a more intentional act of withholding information for specific reasons.
The notion of "Privacy" is often valued and protected by law, such as in cases of medical or financial records. It generally encompasses a broader range of life experiences, from personal space to digital data. "Secrecy" usually pertains to very specific information and is not always protected by law, especially if it involves hiding wrongdoing.
While "Privacy" is seen as a basic human right in many democratic societies, "Secrecy" often has more nuanced ethical implications. Both can be violated, but the consequences of violating someone's privacy are usually viewed differently from breaking someone's secrecy.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Right to be left alone
Act of hiding information
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Ethical Connotations
Generally neutral
Often dubious
Grammatical Use
Mainly a noun
Mainly a noun
Legal Protection
Often protected
Not always protected
Contextual Use
Broader application
More specific application
Compare with Definitions
Privacy
The condition of being free from public attention.
He moved to the countryside for more privacy.
Secrecy
The act of keeping information hidden.
He operated in secrecy to avoid detection.
Privacy
Protection against unauthorized intrusion.
Internet users are concerned about their online privacy.
Secrecy
The quality of being discreet.
Secrecy is crucial in diplomatic negotiations.
Privacy
The state of being secluded from others.
She enjoyed the privacy of her own room.
Secrecy
Concealment for deceptive purposes.
The company's secrecy around its finances raised eyebrows.
Privacy
The right to keep one's personal matters confidential.
Patients expect privacy in healthcare settings.
Secrecy
A strategy of withholding information.
The plan was developed in utmost secrecy.
Privacy
Freedom from unwarranted surveillance.
Privacy laws protect against unauthorized wiretaps.
Secrecy
A state of being concealed.
The secrecy of the ballot is fundamental to democracy.
Privacy
Privacy is the ability of an individual or group to seclude themselves or information about themselves, and thereby express themselves selectively. When something is private to a person, it usually means that something is inherently special or sensitive to them.
Secrecy
Secrecy is the practice of hiding information from certain individuals or groups who do not have the "need to know", perhaps while sharing it with other individuals. That which is kept hidden is known as the secret.
Privacy
A state in which one is not observed or disturbed by other people
She returned to the privacy of her own home
Secrecy
The quality or condition of being secret or hidden; concealment
Work done in secrecy.
Privacy
The quality or condition of being secluded from the presence or view of others
I need some privacy to change into my bathing suit.
Secrecy
The practice or habit of keeping secrets
Swore him to secrecy.
Privacy
The state of being free from public attention or unsanctioned intrusion
A person's right to privacy.
Secrecy
Concealment; the condition of being secret or hidden.
I was sworn to secrecy.
Privacy
(uncountable) The state of being secluded from the presence, sight, or knowledge of others.
I need my privacy, so please stay out of my room.
Secrecy
The habit of keeping secrets.
Privacy
(uncountable) Freedom from unwanted or undue disturbance of one's private life.
It takes a village to rob one of a sense of privacy.
Secrecy
The state or quality of being hidden; as, his movements were detected in spite of their secrecy.
The Lady Anne,Whom the king hath in secrecy long married.
Privacy
(uncountable) Freedom from damaging publicity, public scrutiny, surveillance, and disclosure of personal information, usually by a government or a private organization.
Privacy is assumed by many to be among common-law rights.
Secrecy
That which is concealed; a secret.
Privacy
A place of seclusion.
Secrecy
Seclusion; privacy; retirement.
Privacy
A relationship between parties seen as being a result of their mutual interest or participation in a given transaction, contract etc.
Secrecy
The quality of being secretive; fidelity to a secret; forbearance of disclosure or discovery.
It is not with public as with private prayer; in this, rather secrecy is commanded than outward show.
Privacy
(obsolete) Secrecy.
Secrecy
The trait of keeping things secret
Privacy
A private matter.
Secrecy
The condition of being concealed or hidden
Privacy
The state of being in retirement from the company or observation of others; seclusion.
Privacy
A place of seclusion from company or observation; retreat; solitude; retirement.
Her sacred privacies all open lie.
Privacy
Concealment of what is said or done.
Privacy
A private matter; a secret.
Privacy
The quality of being secluded from the presence or view of others
Privacy
The condition of being concealed or hidden
Common Curiosities
Is Secrecy legal?
Secrecy can be legal, but it's not always protected by law, especially if it involves deception or wrongdoing.
What is Privacy?
Privacy refers to the right or condition of being free from public attention or unauthorized intrusion.
Can Secrecy be harmful?
Secrecy can be harmful when used to deceive, manipulate, or conceal wrongdoings.
Is Privacy only a physical concept?
No, Privacy also extends to the digital world, including online data and communications.
What is Secrecy?
Secrecy involves deliberately keeping information hidden or undisclosed.
Are Privacy and Secrecy interchangeable?
While related, Privacy and Secrecy have different connotations and are not fully interchangeable.
Is Privacy a human right?
Privacy is often considered a fundamental human right in many democratic societies.
Can Privacy be violated?
Yes, Privacy can be violated through unauthorized surveillance, data breaches, or intrusion.
Does Secrecy always involve deception?
Secrecy often involves withholding information, but not always for deceptive purposes.
Is Privacy always legal?
Privacy is often protected by law, but there can be exceptions like in national security cases.
Can Privacy be waived?
Privacy can be waived, usually through explicit consent or in certain legal scenarios.
Can Secrecy be ethical?
Secrecy can be ethical if it serves a greater good or protects sensitive information.
Is Privacy limited to individuals?
While commonly associated with individuals, Privacy can also apply to groups and organizations.
Is Secrecy a social construct?
Secrecy can be considered a social construct, varying in acceptance and meaning across cultures.
Is Secrecy permanent?
Secrecy is not always permanent and can be exposed or revealed over time.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
