Which statement about surveillance with identifiable personnel data is most consistent with ethical practice?

• A. Governance and oversight
• B. Respect privacy and autonomy
• C. Ensure data security and confidentiality
• D. Minimize data collection

Answer: (B)

Respecting privacy and autonomy is the most consistent ethical approach when surveillance involves identifiable personnel data. Because individuals can be identified, their personal information could be misused or cause harm if not handled with care. Prioritizing privacy means collecting only what is truly necessary, being transparent about how data will be used, who will have access, and how long it will be stored, and offering individuals some control over their information. Autonomy centers on allowing people to make informed choices about their data and ensuring their rights are respected. This foundation naturally supports other good practices like data security, confidentiality, and governance, since protecting privacy is what ethical handling of identifiable data hinges on. While governance, security, and minimizing data collection are important, they gain their ethical force from the underlying commitment to privacy and autonomy.