International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) Practice Exam

Which principle restricts access to confidential information?

1. Public access

2. Right to know

3. Need to know

4. Free access

The correct answer is: Need to know

The principle that restricts access to confidential information is the "Need to know" principle. This principle stipulates that individuals should only have access to information necessary for them to perform their job functions effectively. It is grounded in the idea of limiting exposure to sensitive or confidential data to protect it from unauthorized access or disclosures. By adhering to the "Need to know" principle, organizations can safeguard their data and ensure that only those who require specific information to carry out their duties have access to it. This approach minimizes the risk of information breaches and protects the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information. In contrast, options like "Public access" and "Free access" imply unrestricted availability or access to information, which is contrary to the idea of restricting confidential information. The "Right to know" principle focuses more on the entitlement of individuals to access information based on their role or the public's interest, rather than restricting access based on necessity, making "Need to know" the more appropriate choice in this context.