Since Frances Haugen came forward as a Facebook whistleblower in early October, her name has been ubiquitous. She has shared her findings — that the tech giant allegedly put profits over user safety — with media and lawmakers all over the world.
But before revealing her identity, Haugen covered her legal bases with the help of the nonprofit Whistleblower Aid. The agency provides free legal representation as well as additional services like media coaching and secure communication devices.
For many people, organizations that aid whistleblowers are the first contact point to expose companies or government agencies in the safest way possible.
Threats against tipsters can vary enormously, from being blacklisted in the industry, socially isolated or sued — to being killed. It depends on the country's legislation and how it enforces it.
The United States has relatively strong laws such as the Dodd-Frank Act, a response to the 2007-2009 financial crisis. The law introduced programs that entitle eligible corporate whistleblowers to an award. It also prohibits employers from retaliating against their employees who have shared information.
In the European Union, awareness for the importance of whistleblowers has also grown. Two years ago the bloc passed the Whistleblower Protection Directive. Member states have until December 17 to create national laws that comply with this directive, but none have done so yet.
"Despite robust protections and anti-retaliation remedies,...
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