Section 29 protects information obtained by or provided to the Bureau. This includes the identities of the persons who provided the information, and any information that could reveal their identities.  Section 29 protects nearly all information that is provided to or obtained by the Bureau. This provision provides the Bureau with the discretion to communicate information in four limited circumstances: • to a Canadian law enforcement agency; • for the purposes of administration or enforcement of the Act; • when it has been made public; or • when it has been authorized by the person who provided the information.  The decision to apply these exceptions is at the discretion of those performing duties or functions under the Act. It is exercised to carry out their responsibilities under the law. The Bureau has practices in place to ensure that confidentiality is protected. The Bureau decides to communicate confidential information when an inquiry or other matter being addressed under the Act would be prevented or hindered if this was not done.  Generally, in the case of dealings with Canadian law enforcement agencies, the Bureau communicates information when it is necessary to transfer a matter outside the Bureau’s mandate to the appropriate enforcement agency. It may also happen when the Bureau and the agency are engaged in cooperative action with respect to an investigative matter.  Communication of information to other parties, including communication to foreign law enforcement agencies, falls under the exception for the purposes of the administration or enforcement of the Act. The Bureau undertakes this communication cautiously, with the objective of addressing or dealing with an administrative or enforcement matter under the authority of the Act.  Communication of confidential information to a foreign competition authority pursuant to section 29 will typically take place where there is a bilateral or multilateral cooperation instrument in force. Any information communicated to a foreign authority under the provisions of a bilateral or multilateral cooperation instrument will be subject to specific confidentiality safeguards contained in that instrument, as well as those in the Act and in other domestic legislation. Generally, where there is no bilateral or multilateral cooperation instrument in force, the Bureau does not communicate information protected by section 29 unless it is fully satisfied with the assurances provided by the foreign authority for maintaining the confidentiality of the information and the uses to which it will be put. In assessing whether to communicate confidential information pursuant to section 29 in these circumstances, the Bureau will consider:  • the laws protecting confidentiality in the requesting country; • the purpose of the request; and • any agreements or arrangements with the country or the requesting authority.  If the Bureau is not satisfied that the information will remain protected or be used only for its intended purpose, the information will not be communicated.