Which of the following is an example of a privacy breach?

A privacy breach occurs when personal information is accessed, disclosed, or used without the necessary permissions or legal authority. In this case, releasing customer data without authorization clearly illustrates a violation of privacy principles, as it involves handling personal information without the consent of the individuals whose data is being shared.

This act undermines the trust between individuals and organizations and is contrary to data protection regulations that require explicit permission for data handling activities. Understanding what constitutes a breach is essential for compliance and for protecting personal information. The options that involve sharing information with permission or accessing accounts legally do not represent breaches, as they align with privacy norms and regulations.