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Client Confidentiality Issues in Online Counselling: A Narrative Review

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Client confidentiality can be expressed as an important ethical principle that counsellors must adhere in order to protect clients' information, such as sensitive demographic and personal data. However, the borderless nature of online counselling has raised new unique challenges regarding client confidentiality. Consequently, this study was conducted to examine the specific issues concerning client confidentiality in online counselling. Based on previous studies, one of the biggest factors that contributes to client confidentiality issues is the counsellors' ability to manage and secure digital data. To fill this research gap, this review highlights the key challenges in client confidentiality to raise awareness, thereby drawing significant attention to measures that can resolve these emerging issues.
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