A Chemical Engineer shall not disclose confidential information of the technical process to any present or former client or employer on which they serve.

A Chemical Engineer shall not disclose confidential information of the technical process to any present or former client or employer on which they serve.

• A. Absolutely true
• B. Absolutely not true
• C. Can disclose with the consent of the client
• D. Not sure

Answer: (B)

Confidentiality in engineering ethics is essential, but it is not absolute. Engineers must protect confidential process information, yet there are important exceptions. If the client explicitly consents to disclosure, the engineer may share information. Additionally, disclosures can be required or allowed by law, regulatory obligations, or professional duties (for example, to address safety concerns, to fulfill audits, or when transferring work with proper agreements). Because of these legitimate avenues to disclose, the blanket statement that confidential information shall never be disclosed to present or former clients or employers is not accurate.

Confidentiality in engineering ethics is essential, but it is not absolute. Engineers must protect confidential process information, yet there are important exceptions. If the client explicitly consents to disclosure, the engineer may share information. Additionally, disclosures can be required or allowed by law, regulatory obligations, or professional duties (for example, to address safety concerns, to fulfill audits, or when transferring work with proper agreements). Because of these legitimate avenues to disclose, the blanket statement that confidential information shall never be disclosed to present or former clients or employers is not accurate.