If you have any questions about any of the information on this web page, or are concerned that you have experienced retaliation for blowing the whistle, you may contact the OIG’s Whistleblower Protection Coordinator for additional information. You may also consult the web site of the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC), or review these OSC pamphlets, “Know Your Rights When Reporting Wrongs” and “Your Rights as a Federal Employee”. It is unlawful for your employer to retaliate against you for making a “protected disclosure.” A disclosure is protected if it meets two criteria:

Whistleblower disclosures can save ... for making a “protected disclosure.” A disclosure is protected if it is based on a reasonable belief that wrongdoing has occurred and if the disclosure is made to ......

August 5, 2024 - An employee may disclose information to any person, except where the information is required by law or presidential order to be kept confidential. There is no requirement that an employee proceed incrementally through the employee’s chain of command. The WPA also protects any disclosure that meets the other statutory requirements. Overturning prior case law, the WPEA clarified that a whistleblower disclosure is protected:

The WPA also provides penalties for supervisors who retaliate against whistleblowers. A disclosure is protected under the WPA if the employee discloses information the employee reasonably believes to be evidence of

A federal employee who reports information he/she reasonably believes is: ... A substantial and specific danger to public health or safety. Although these definitions may appear simple, the analysis of whistleblower cases can be factually and legally complicated.

The WPA generally protects employees from retaliation for disclosures of information that an employee reasonably believes evidences behavior falling into one of two categories: (1) a violation of any law, rule, or regulation or (2) gross ...

However, classified disclosures ... Act (WPA) was established to ensure that employees who engage in protected disclosure are free from fear of reprisal for their disclosures....

March 23, 2026 - It is unlawful under Presidential Policy Directive 19 for an agency to take any action affecting an employee’s eligibility for access to classified information in retaliation for making a protected disclosure. The Inspector General Act requires HHS OIG to designate an individual to serve as the Whistleblower Protection Coordinator.

The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. U.S. Department of Labor ... An employer cannot retaliate against you for exercising your rights under the Department of Labor’s whistleblower protection laws.

The WPEA protects disclosures that an employee reasonably believes are evidence of censorship related to research, analysis, or technical information that causes, or will cause, a gross government waste or gross mismanagement, an abuse of authority, a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, or any violation of law. It expands the penalties imposed for violating whistleblower protections and establishes the position of Whistleblower Protection Ombudsman.

Federal officials are prohibited ... disclosure.” A disclosure is protected if it is based on a reasonable belief that wrongdoing has occurred and if the disclosure is made to a person ......

Whistleblowing is the lawful disclosure of information a discloser reasonably believes evidences wrongdoing to an authorized recipient. It is the mechanism to get the right information to the right people to counter wrongdoing and promote proper, effective, and efficient operation of IC functions.

January 8, 2025 - The employee provides evidence and reports it to the OSC, fulfilling the criteria for a protected disclosure. Financial Mismanagement: A whistleblower uncovers gross mismanagement of funds within their department, leading to significant financial waste. By reporting this through the proper channels, they ensure their disclosure is protected.

September 30, 2025 - In the US, protected disclosure laws aim to safeguard individuals who report wrongdoing or misconduct within their organizations. The False Claims Act is a key example of such legislation.

 Prohibits anyone with authority, and their agents, from retaliating against the whistleblower.15 · PROTECTED AUDIENCES: PUBLIC, INTERNAL, AND EXTERNAL DISCLOSURES ARE PROTECTED

March 23, 2026 - Both of these acts state that a whistleblower’s identity must be protected unless the employee in the disclosure consents to reveal their identity. Additionally, both the WPA and the Inspector General Acts safeguard whistleblowers from retaliation. Under the WPA, federal civil servants can confidentially make protected disclosures with the Office of Special Counsel, which is authorized to investigate retaliation allegations and represent whistleblowers in cases against other departments.

Whistleblowing means disclosing information that you reasonably believe is evidence of a violation of any law, rule, or regulation; gross mismanagement; a gross waste of funds; an abuse of authority; or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety. Other activities related to whistleblowing are also protected by whistleblower laws.

Legal Disclaimer: This document is for general informational purposes only. Its contents are not legal advice. A note on classified information: The WPA protects · disclosures of classified information to Congress if

Legal Disclaimer: This document is for general informational purposes only. Its contents are not legal advice. A note on classified information: The WPA protects · disclosures of classified information to Congress if

There are, however, limits on the Commission's ability to shield your identity. The Commission will not disclose information that could reasonably identify a whistleblower without consent of the whistleblower, except in the following circumstances: When disclosure is required to a defendant ...