Defamation includes all of the following conduct by a producer except?

Defamation in the context of professional conduct, particularly for insurance producers, typically involves making false statements that harm someone's reputation. It is essential to recognize that defamation specifically refers to false communication, whether spoken (slander) or written (libel), which damages a person or entity's reputation.

The choice indicating participation in unfair discrimination does not fall under the category of defamation. Unfair discrimination pertains to treating individuals disparately based on certain characteristics without justified reasons. It can lead to ethical and legal violations in the context of insurance practices but does not involve making false statements about someone.

In contrast, making false statements about a competitor directly falls within the realm of defamation, as it involves disseminating untrue information that could damage the competitor's reputation. Similarly, sharing confidential client information without consent is also not considered defamation but rather a breach of privacy and trust, which carries its own legal consequences. Lastly, slandering a policyholder’s reputation is explicitly a form of defamation, as it involves making untrue spoken statements about someone that would harm their standing in the community.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for insurance producers, ensuring they operate ethically and within the boundaries of the law.