What essential feature of internal control relates to information integrity?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of confidentiality of information as a foundational element of internal control that directly relates to information integrity. Confidentiality ensures that sensitive data is accessible only to authorized individuals and protects that information from unauthorized access or disclosure. When information is kept confidential, it reduces the risk of manipulation or misuse, thereby maintaining its integrity.

Confidentiality is crucial in internal controls as it helps safeguard both personal and proprietary information, ensuring that data remains accurate and trustworthy. In any organization, protecting sensitive information not only supports compliance with legal and regulatory standards but also reinforces the reliability of data used for decision-making processes.

In contrast, while other features like segregation of duties, timeliness of communication, and defined authority limits are important components of a robust internal control system, they do not specifically address the integrity of information in the same direct manner that confidentiality does. Segregation of duties focuses on preventing fraud and error by distributing responsibilities. Timeliness of communication pertains to the efficiency of information flow, ensuring that data is shared when needed for effective decision-making. Defined authority limits set boundaries for decision-making powers within an organization. None of these aspects inherently maintain the integrity of the information itself as directly as confidentiality does.