The revision of the Whistleblower Protection Law can be described as an attempt to ensure protection for those who accuse others of wrongdoing or illegal acts within their organizations. Local governments and corporations should take the newly established penalties seriously.
A bill to revise the law, meant to offer whistleblowers more robust protection, has been passed. It received unanimous support in the House of Representatives and the backing of a significant majority in the House of Councillors.
The current law prohibits local governments, private companies and other entities from conducting disadvantageous treatment to those who report illegal acts in their organizations to internal sections to deal with whistleblowing, media organizations or others. However, there are no penalties at present.
The revised law stipulates a fine of up to 30 million for corporations that dismiss or take disciplinary action against a whistleblower for leveling an accusation. Individuals who are involved in decisions to punish whistleblowers are to be jailed for up to six months or fined up to 300,000.
In addition, the revised law states explicitly that whistleblowers may not be sought out. Under the current law, this is noted in the guidelines.
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