What is whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing refers to the act of revealing illegal, unethical, or unsafe practices within an organization, typically by an insider. When someone blows the whistle, they are usually disclosing information regarding misconduct that may harm the public interest or violate laws. This act is considered a critical mechanism for accountability and integrity within organizations.

While the act of disclosing confidential information or reporting safety violations can be part of whistleblowing, the core definition emphasizes the uncovering of illegal activities specifically. Supporting organizational ethical standards is a positive action but does not align with the definition of whistleblowing, which involves bringing attention to wrongdoing. Hence, the choice that captures the essence of whistleblowing is the one focused on revealing illegal activities.