ENGLISH > TRANSLATION
A lot of emphasis is placed on confidentiality being kept by translators. Many clients and translation agencies demand long documents to be signed, thus formalizing the non-disclosure commitment by the translator.
After a job has been delivered, approved, and paid for, I have no reason to keep client materials or information, either confidential or not. What would be their use for me? I destroy everything but two exceptions:
a) When the client requests me to keep them. So far I have one client who has been doing so... for 23 years!
b) Sworn translations, as the law determines that I should keep them on file. Anyway, I'd only provide copies of such translations to third parties in compliance to a court order.
My pledge of non-disclosure
No material entrusted to me for translation will have its contents disclosed to third parties, except in the following cases:
1. When the client specifically requests otherwise.
2. When it's material the client makes available to the public. When the material is sold, disclosure shall be limited to referral or recommendation, aiming at the client's commercial success.
3. Pursuant to a specific court order, provided the material is still available.
I shall not keep on file any material entrusted for me to translate, nor its translation, after the job has been delivered, approved, and paid for. Exceptions are:
1. When the client specifically requests otherwise.
2. When the job is not paid, or paid more than 30 days later than the agreed date.
3. As required by law (sworn translations, but only these, not their original documents).
I shall not provide past clients as references to other clients, including prospects. Exceptions are:
1. When these past clients have a vested interest in such disclosure, as possible service providers to prospects (e.g. publishers, translation agencies, video dubbing studios, etc.).
2. When these past clients voluntarily prompt me to do so.