Non-Disclosure Agreements: Changing Landscapes In Abuse And Harassment Cases

What is an NDA?

An NDA is a Non-Disclosure Agreement, also referred to as a Confidentiality Agreement or "gag order." It is an agreement in which one party agrees not to speak to any number of facts in relation to a particular incident, typically in exchange for compensation. The non-disclosure section is typically a smaller part of a larger agreement.

Where did NDAs come from?

Originally, NDAs were used in cases involving proprietary information or trade secrets. They were specifically designed to keep parties from entering into agreements that disclosed confidential information or materials. If an individual or party disclosed this private information after signing an NDA, there would be recourse through the courts for damages or compensation for the breach of confidentiality.