Safeguarding Whistleblower Information: Key Considerations
Protecting personal information is essential for ensuring the rights of individuals reporting corruption. It is crucial to understand that one can report corruption either anonymously or by disclosing personal details while maintaining confidentiality.
Anonymity and confidentiality are distinct concepts that should be considered when making a report.
Confidentiality entails a prohibition on disclosing information about the whistleblower, their relatives, or any other data that could lead to their identification. The organization receiving the report is obliged to ensure the protection of this information.
Confidential information includes:
last name, first name, patronymic; date and place of birth; employment and position; military service details; educational institutions attended; information identifying the whistleblower as a business entity; marital status; residential and work addresses; phone numbers; photographs; social media account details, etc.
Disclosing such information may result in disciplinary, administrative, or criminal liability, but there are exceptions as defined by the Law on "Prevention of Corruption".
The right to anonymity allows individuals to report corruption without providing any personal details. Anonymous reports are also accepted. However, to obtain whistleblower status, protection, and potential rewards, an individual must disclose their information and provide evidence that they made the anonymous report. Measures may be taken to safeguard the personal data of anonymous whistleblowers, such as ensuring confidentiality and closed court proceedings.
Everyone has the right to choose how to report corruption based on their motives and circumstances. It is essential to consider the distinctions outlined to avoid misunderstandings and unrealistic expectations.