To whom must a whistleblower make their disclosure?

A whistleblower must make their disclosure to the appropriate person or regulatory body to ensure that the information is evaluated and acted upon appropriately. Reporting to designated authorities allows for the investigated entity to address the misconduct in accordance with established procedures. This pathway typically provides protections for the whistleblower under various laws, which are designed to shield them from retaliation by the employer or other parties.

In contrast, making a disclosure to the media, a friend, or the general public may not provide the same legal protections and could potentially compromise the investigation process. These alternatives do not guarantee that the information will be handled properly or confidentially. Thus, reporting to the appropriate authority aligns with the intent of whistleblower protection laws, ensuring that issues are brought to light in a way that is constructive and legally sound.