on a need-to-know basis
Restricted information access
On a need-to-know basis describes information shared only with those who require it for a specific purpose.
The phrase originated in military and intelligence contexts, where restricting access protects sensitive operations: Troop movements were disclosed on a need-to-know basis.
It now appears in corporate and everyday settings to justify selective disclosure: Management keeps salary information on a need-to-know basis.
- classifiedRestricted from disclosure
- classified informationSensitive, access-restricted material
- military intelligenceWartime information gathering
- black opsUnacknowledged covert activities
- security clearanceAuthorization for classified access
gatekeeping · permissions · confidentiality agreements · compartmentalization · inner circle · discretion · loose lips · plausible deniability · briefing · secure channels · whistleblowing · encryption · authorization · clearance levels · chain of command · informed consent · access control · fiduciary duty
on a need-to-know basisopen access
Free public scholarly content
transparent · full disclosure · declassified · unrestricted · common knowledge
on a need-to-know basisfull transparency
open-book · full disclosure · forthcoming · transparent · above board
basis, needs, needed, needing, neediness, knows, knowing, knowingly, knowledgeable