What best characterizes the outcome when a researcher's file with aggregated data is stolen but no identifying information is retained?

Choosing the outcome that best reflects the scenario where a researcher's file containing aggregated data is stolen but lacks identifying information is based on the definitions of privacy and confidentiality.

In this case, aggregated data means the information has been summarized and anonymized, typically making it impossible to trace back to specific individuals. Because no identifying information is retained, the data does not identify or reference any specific person, thereby eliminating personal privacy concerns related to identifiable data.

Since aggregation and anonymization reduce the risk of identifying individuals in the data set, the theft of such a file does not constitute a breach of confidentiality either. Confidentiality pertains to the protection of identifiable personal information. In this scenario, with no identifying information present, there are no confidentiality concerns or privacy violations.

This reasoning leads to the conclusion that there was neither a violation of privacy nor a breach of confidentiality, aligning with the choice that accurately characterizes the situation.