This paper offers an analysis of the concept of secrecy, explores the relationship between secrecy and deception, and examines the ethical implications of secrecy. Secrecy can be defined as the concealment or withholding of information that is deemed relevant. Given specific conditions, secrecy can be a form of deception, but it is not inherently deceptive. Endorsing a relational view, I argue that the moral evaluation of a practice or an act of secrecy should always consider the specific nature of the relationship in which it takes place and the moral expectations of the subjects of the relationship: this is why it is difficult to provide a moral assessment of secrecy as such. I further argue that secrecy can constitute a breach of trust when the legitimate communicative expectations of the members of the relationship are not met.
