In one embodiment, a method for extracting data items for a task requesting a set of data items in a virtual organization including a plurality of members is provided. A set of confidentiality sub-policies associated with the set of data items and an information utility sub-policy associated with the task are retrieved. At least a portion of the set of data items for the task are retrieved based on an analysis that optimally balances confidentiality and information utility using the set of confidentiality sub-policies and the information utility sub-policy.