# Whistleblowing URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/whistleblowing Type: Priority topic Published: 2020-03-30 Updated: 2026-06-18 --- *Externally hosted content may include ads. These aren't endorsed by or reflect Transparency International's views.* ## What is a whistleblower? A whistleblower is someone who reports conduct that is unlawful, abusive or can cause harm. This can include, but is not limited to, criminal offences, corruption, fraud, human rights violations or gender-based violence. Whistleblowers can come from a wide range of backgrounds and roles, including employees, contractors, interns, volunteers, suppliers or former staff members, or any other individuals who become aware of such wrongdoing in the course of their work or dealings with an organisation. ## How does whistleblowing affect you? Whistleblowing is one of the most effective ways to detect and prevent corruption. Whistleblowers’ disclosures have [helped save millions in public funds](https://www.transparency.org/en/blog/exposing-the-truth-to-save-taxpayers-money), [protect people’s health](https://www.transparency.org/en/blog/speaking-up-to-save-patients-lives), prevent environmental disasters and expose everyday workplace wrongdoing. Their impact is visible in some of the biggest scandals of recent decades. [LuxLeaks](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/antoine-deltour-luxleaks-whistleblowers-long-legal-battle-continues) and the [Panama Papers](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/panama-papers-10-years) exposed industry-scale tax avoidance. The [Danske Bank scandal](https://www.transparency.org/en/press/danske-bank-scandal-needs-full-accountability-not-scapegoating) revealed money laundering on a vast scale. Many cases of wrongdoing go unreported and, when they do, corruption continues unchecked. ## How do I blow the whistle safely? Reporting wrongdoing can come at a high price. Unfortunately, whistleblowers risk their career, their livelihood and sometimes their personal safety. They may be fired, sued, harassed, arrested, threatened or, in extreme cases, assaulted or killed. Careful preparation can reduce risks and improve the chances that a disclosure will have an impact: - Document relevant information lawfully and keep accurate records. Do not conduct your own investigations or obtain information illegally. - Seek legal advice before making a disclosure, particularly in complex or high-risk cases. - Understand the available reporting channels: internal reporting systems may suit some situations, while external regulators or law enforcement agencies may be more appropriate in others. Public disclosure may be justified, for example, when other avenues have failed or are unlikely to be effective. - Consider how to protect your identity and personal information. Before making a report, find out whether confidential or anonymous reporting is available, and take steps to safeguard your communications, documents and digital security. Trusted advice can also make the difference between a disclosure leading to accountability or disappearing without consequence. Find out what reporting avenues and protections exist in your country before acting. Transparency International's Advocacy and Legal Advice Centres (ALACs) provide free, confidential advice. [Check if there is one near you](https://www.transparency.org/en/alacs). [Learn more about the whistleblowers the ALACs have helped](https://www.transparency.org/en/blog/whistleblower-stories-individuals-safeguarded-public-interest-exposing-misconduct). ## What does whistleblower protection look like globally? Around 150 countries have some form of whistleblower protection in their legal systems – a significant achievement reflecting growing recognition that protecting those who report misconduct is essential for good governance. In many countries, protection amounts to a few clauses embedded in labour or anti-corruption legislation. Roughly 60 countries have dedicated, comprehensive laws. In the **United States,** protection is fragmented across sector-specific legislation, including the Whistleblower Protection Act for federal employees and the False Claims Act for fraud against the government. Progress across much **of Latin America, Africa** and **Asia** has been slow and uneven. While some countries have enacted dedicated whistleblower laws, many still rely on fragmented or sector-specific provisions, offer limited protection against retaliation, or lack effective enforcement mechanisms. As a result, in many of these regions, whistleblowers continue to face personal, professional and legal risks when reporting wrongdoing. In countries facing elevated corruption risks and weaker accountability mechanisms, these gaps can make it significantly harder to deter abuse of power. ### Whistleblower protection in Europe In Europe, the [EU Whistleblower Protection Directive](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/1937/oj/eng), adopted in October 2019, has driven the most significant legislative reform of recent years. It was the first time the EU had a dedicated law in this area and its impact has been transformative: before the Directive, only 11 member states had any law protecting whistleblowers. The Directive came into force in December 2019, with member states and those wishing to join the EU required to transpose it into national law by December 2021. Many went [beyond the minimum requirements](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/how-well-do-eu-countries-protect-whistleblowers-speakup), broadening the scope of protected disclosures, accepting anonymous reports, and establishing penalties for organisations that fail to set up whistleblowing systems. Transparency International played a central role in putting whistleblower protection on the EU agenda. Working with a broad coalition of civil society organisations, trade unions and journalist associations, we advocated at every stage of the legislative process to ensure the final text reflected best practice. The EU Commission's proposal and the [position adopted by the EU Parliament in November 2018](https://www.transparency.org/en/press/eu-whistleblower-protection-heads-in-the-right-direction) incorporated many of our key recommendations. The result was a [landmark piece of legislation](https://www.transparency.org/en/press/eu-countries-chance-to-lead-on-whistleblower-protection). The [crucial role played by civil society](https://www.europarl.europa.eu/streaming/?event=20190312-0930-SPECIAL-PRESSER) in achieving a strong text was recognised by the Members of Parliament leading the process. Having a law is only the beginning. Our most recent assessment of implementation across [all EU member states](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/whistleblower-protection-eu-trends-gaps-practices-member-states) and [EU candidate countries](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/whistleblower-protection-in-eu-enlargement-countries) shows that transposition has been uneven, and significant gaps remain in access to remedies and practical support for whistleblowers. Also, stronger laws have not automatically produced stronger protection: whistleblowers continue to face delays and a lack of confidence in reporting systems. ## How Transparency International supports whistleblowers The three main reasons people give for not reporting corruption are fear of the consequences, the belief that nothing will be done, and uncertainty about how and where to report. Protecting whistleblowers from retaliation, discrimination and disadvantage can embolden people to speak up and increase the likelihood that wrongdoing is uncovered and penalised. Companies, public bodies and non-profit organisations should introduce effective internal reporting systems. In some societies, whistleblowing still carries a stigma. Transparency International works to create an environment where people can report wrongdoing without risking their career, livelihood or safety. We do this by: 1. advocating for [strong, comprehensive whistleblower protection legislation](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/international-principles-for-whistleblower-legislation). 2. pushing governments and authorities to enforce the laws that exist. 3. working with public institutions and private companies to [implement whistleblowing systems effectively](https://www.transparency.org/en/blog/organisations-that-hear-their-people-earn-their-trust). 4. advising and supporting individuals considering or who have already blown the whistle, through our [ALACs.](https://www.transparency.org/en/alacs) When no one speaks up, we all pay the price. ## Find out more about our work ### News [+ More](https://www.transparency.org/en/search/filter?priority=whistleblowing&type=newsPost) ## [CPI 2025: Findings and insights](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cpi-2025-findings-insights-corruption) News • 10 February 2026 As corruption worsens globally, a decline in bold, accountable leadership is undermining reform. ## [World Whistleblower Day: The cost of exposing facts in the age of misinformation](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/world-whistleblower-day-cost-of-exposing-facts-age-of-misinformation) News • 16 June 2025 On World Whistleblower Day, we spotlight brave truth-tellers exposing disinformation and the rising threats they face for speaking out. ## [EU Whistleblower Protection: Falling short when it matters most](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/eu-whistleblower-protection-falling-short-when-it-matters-most) News • 16 December 2024 Three years on, EU whistleblower protections still fall short, leaving those who expose wrongdoing vulnerable. Learn why urgent reforms are needed. ## [World Whistleblowers Day 2024: Whistleblowers’ safety is everyone’s safety](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/whistleblowers-safety-is-everyones-safety) News • 23 June 2024 Whistleblowers’ safety is crucial for public safety. Learn why protecting those who report wrongdoing is vital and how better systems can safeguard them from retaliation. ### Publications [+ More](https://www.transparency.org/en/search/filter?priority=whistleblowing&type=publication) ## [Annual Report 2025](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/annual-report-2025) Publication • 17 July 2026 In 2025, Transparency International pursued its mission to stop corruption and promote transparency, accountability and integrity at all levels and across all sectors of society. ## [Whistleblowing Authorities in Europe: Roles, challenges and lessons learned](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/whistleblowing-authorities-in-europe-roles-challenges-and-lessons-learned) Publication • 19 June 2026 This report examines the institutional design, mandates and functioning of national whistleblowing authorities across Europe. ## [How effective is whistleblower protection in the EU? Trends, gaps and emerging practices across member states](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/whistleblower-protection-eu-trends-gaps-practices-member-states) Publication • 16 April 2026 EU whistleblower rules exist, but slow, uneven implementation leaves gaps in protection, enforcement, and support. ## [Whistleblower protection in EU enlargement countries - Towards EU standards and best practice](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/whistleblower-protection-in-eu-enlargement-countries) Publication • 16 April 2026 Whistleblower protections in EU candidate countries lag behind EU standards, with legal gaps and weak systems undermining accountability. ### Projects [+ More](https://www.transparency.org/en/search/filter?priority=whistleblowing&type=project) ## [Accountability in Asia Pacific](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/accountability-in-asia-pacific) Project ## [Whistleblowing programme](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/whistleblowing-project) Project Features our work to improve whistleblower’s protection, including our policy recommendations and our achievements in around the world. ## [Speak Up Europe](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/speak-up-europe) Project Speak Up Europe was a project that aimed to prevent corruption in high-risk areas in the EU by empowering individuals to speak up about misconduct to public, private and civil… ## [Strengthening and fostering enabling environment for whistleblowers in the European Union (SAFE for Whistleblowers)](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/enabling-environment-safe-for-whistleblowers-european-union) Project SAFE for Whistleblowers supports the establishment of an enabling environment for the protection of whistleblowers in the European Union. ### Blog posts [+ More](https://www.transparency.org/en/search/filter?priority=whistleblowing&type=blogPost) [## Whistleblower protection in 2026: the gap between law and reality Marie Terracol 22 June 2026](https://www.transparency.org/en/blog/whistleblower-protection-law-retaliation "Whistleblower protection in 2026: the gap between law and reality") [## From policy to practice: Building whistleblower systems that work Transparency Int'l 20 June 2025](https://www.transparency.org/en/blog/from-policy-to-practice-building-whistleblower-systems-that-work "From policy to practice: Building whistleblower systems that work") [## Organisations that hear their people, earn their trust Marie Terracol 11 June 2025](https://www.transparency.org/en/blog/organisations-that-hear-their-people-earn-their-trust "Organisations that hear their people, earn their trust") [## Climate integrity in action: Stories of reform and lasting impact Transparency Int'l 05 June 2025](https://www.transparency.org/en/blog/climate-integrity-action-stories-of-reform-and-lasting-impact "Climate integrity in action: Stories of reform and lasting impact ") ### Press releases [+ More](https://www.transparency.org/en/search/filter?priority=whistleblowing&type=pressRelease) ## [Transparency International calls on Green Climate Fund to strengthen the protection of whistleblowers](https://www.transparency.org/en/press/transparency-international-calls-green-climate-fund-to-strengthen-protection-of-whistleblowers) Press • 21 October 2024 ## [Report: EU member states need to enhance their whistleblower protection laws](https://www.transparency.org/en/press/report-eu-countries-need-to-enhance-whistleblower-protection-laws) Press • 08 November 2023 ## [Whistleblower protection organisations advocate for accountability in WHO whistleblower Zambon’s case](https://www.transparency.org/en/press/whistleblower-protection-organisations-rally-to-advocate-for-accountability-in-zambons-case) Press • 19 October 2023 ## [Independent reviews confirm: UNOPS must reform whistleblowing system](https://www.transparency.org/en/press/independent-reviews-confirm-unops-must-reform-whistleblowing-system) Press • 29 November 2022 ## Explore all priorities - [Asset recovery and the theft of public money](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/asset-recovery-and-the-theft-of-public-money) - [Business integrity](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/business-and-corruption) - [Climate crisis](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/climate-crisis) - [Defence and security](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/defence-and-security) - [Dirty money](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/dirty-money) - [Extractive industries](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/extractive-industries) - [Foreign bribery enforcement](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/foreign-bribery-enforcement) - [Gender](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/gender-and-corruption) - [Grand corruption](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/grand-corruption) - [Health](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/health-and-corruption) - [Judiciary and law enforcement](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/judiciary-and-law-enforcement) - [Land corruption](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/land-corruption) - [Political integrity](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/political-integrity) - [Public procurement](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/public-procurement) - [Right to information](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/right-to-information) - [Sustainable Development Goals](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/sustainable-development-goals) - [Whistleblowing](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/whistleblowing) Asset recovery and the theft of public money Business integrity Climate crisis Defence and security Dirty money Extractive industries Foreign bribery enforcement Gender Grand corruption Health Judiciary and law enforcement Land corruption Political integrity Public procurement Right to information Sustainable Development Goals Whistleblowing