In Jain dharma, truth is not deceit simply because others do not know it.

Deceit (māyā) happens when there is crooked intention, such as:

• hiding the truth to mislead,
• speaking in a way that creates false understanding,
• using knowledge to deceive or take advantage of others.

If a person knows the truth and speaks it honestly, then it is not deceit, even if others are unaware.

So the key point is intention and conduct:

• Truth with honesty = not deceit
• Truth used to mislead or trap others = deceit

In Jain ethics, one should speak with satya and also with simple, non-harmful, and honest intent.