A whistleblower is a person within an organization who exposes wrongdoing, illegal activities, corruption, or unethical behavior by revealing sensitive or incriminating information. This disclosure can be directed internally, such as to supervisors or compliance officers, or externally, to the public, media, or regulatory authorities.
Whistleblowers play a critical role in holding organizations accountable and ensuring transparency, often at significant personal risk. Their actions can uncover fraud, safety violations, abuse of power, or other misconduct that might otherwise remain hidden. However, whistleblowers frequently face retaliation, including job loss, harassment, or legal battles, making their decision to come forward both courageous and complex.
Because of these risks, many legal frameworks and organizations have established protections and reporting channels to encourage whistleblowing while safeguarding those who speak out. Despite the challenges, whistleblowers remain vital watchdogs in maintaining ethical standards and justice within institutions.