Which of the following is a consequence of a breach of confidentiality?

A breach of confidentiality can have serious consequences, and one of the most significant repercussions is the potential for legal action against the researcher. When participants share sensitive information or personal data with researchers, there is an implicit trust that this information will be kept confidential and secure. If that trust is violated, it can lead to harm for the participants, ranging from psychological distress to financial loss, depending on the nature of the information exposed.

Legal action may be pursued by individuals whose confidentiality has been compromised, as it can be seen as a violation of privacy laws or regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the U.S. This legal framework aims to protect personal health information and imposes strict penalties for breaches. The threat of legal repercussions underscores the importance of confidentiality in research and the responsibilities that researchers bear to safeguard participants' information.

In contrast to this, enhancing public trust in research and improved study participation rates are unlikely outcomes following a breach of confidentiality; instead, trust and willingness to participate would typically decrease. Similarly, a breach would not lead to a reduction of ethical oversight; rather, it would likely provoke increased scrutiny and possibly tighter regulations to prevent future violations. Thus, the potential for legal action stands out as a clear and