Confidentiality agreements prohibit disclosing settlement terms, amounts, or sometimes underlying facts. Defendants often require confidentiality to avoid precedent and publicity. Plaintiffs may negotiate higher settlements for accepting confidentiality. Exceptions typically include tax reporting, court orders, and immediate family. Breach consequences include clawback provisions or liquidated damages. Public interest may override confidentiality in some cases. Government entity settlements face open records challenges. Criminal proceedings aren’t bound by civil confidentiality. Attorneys must explain restrictions before client agreement. Some jurisdictions limit confidentiality in cases involving public safety. Strategic negotiation balances compensation against disclosure rights.