What type of permission is required before personal information can be released to individuals or companies?

Written permission is required before personal information can be released to individuals or companies to ensure compliance with privacy laws and regulations. This type of permission provides a clear record of consent and protects both the individual’s privacy rights and the entity handling the information. Written consent is particularly important in healthcare and therapeutic contexts, where sensitive personal health information must be safeguarded.

While oral and verbal permissions might be more informal and quicker to obtain, they do not provide the same level of protection or accountability. Implied consent, which can arise from a person's actions or situation, is often inadequate for sensitive information and may not fulfill legal requirements. Therefore, written permission is the safest and most legally sound method for obtaining consent for the release of personal information.