61 Q 59. What makes the external communication of information “sufficient”? All communications, including formal reporting, should be accurate and honest. If the information being communicated relates to a specific impact on stakeholders, it should convey all the facts necessary for those affected to make informed decisions regarding their own interests. Communications that are obviously an exercise in obfuscation or self-promotion will not reap the benefits of transparency, and risk leading to criticism and distrust of the enterprise. Conversely, enterprises that have pushed the boundaries of transparency to discuss the human rights challenges they face and the kind of human rights impact they are trying to address are generally seen as more credible in their claims of respecting human rights. This in no way precludes the possibility of refuting claims or allegations of human rights impact that the enterprise has clear grounds to reject—wherever possible explaining those grounds. Q 60. What is meant by the risks communications may pose to affected stakeholders, personnel or the legitimate requirements of commercial confidentiality? Some kinds of information about how human rights impact is being addressed could pose risks to affected stakeholders or personnel. This may be because they would reveal, by implication, the identity either of a complainant or of individuals responsible for actions that are judged harmful, making them the potential targets of retaliation. Publicizing information about discussions with a Government, police or security forces aimed at halting or preventing harmful action against individuals might jeopardize that process. However, care should be taken that blanket assumptions about such risks do not become an easy justification to avoid sharing information that can legitimately be made public. The legitimate requirements of commercial confidentiality would typically extend to information crucial to negotiations regarding a significant business transaction, for the duration of those negotiations. They would also include information legally protected against disclosure to third parties. If there are no risks to these groups or requirements, other considerations on whether, when and how to communicate will be the subject of decisions based on the kinds of factors previously discussed.