The origins of whistleblowing: history of an ancient and essential practice

The term "whistleblowing" refers to the act of reporting illegal, unethical, or dangerous practices within an organization, whether public or private. While the concept seems tied to modernity, its roots stretch back to much earlier times, reflecting a universal need for justice and accountability.

The origin of the term

The word "whistleblowing" derives from the image of a whistle used by police officers to draw attention to a crime or wrongdoing in progress. This act of "blowing the whistle" has become a metaphor for those who call attention to misconduct, often at personal risk.

Ancient times: justice and reporting

The earliest forms of whistleblowing can be traced to ancient societies.

• Code of Hammurabi (circa 1750 BCE): in the famous Babylonian code, punishments were prescribed for wrongdoers, and incentives were offered to those who reported them. This shows that even then, the importance of reporting misconduct to maintain social order was recognized.


• Classical Athens: in ancient Greece, citizens could file accusations against other citizens or corrupt officials. This practice, called "graphe paranomon," helped ensure transparency in public administration.


• Ancient Rome: the Roman Empire rewarded those who reported illegal acts or betrayals, establishing a system that encouraged citizens to monitor abuses of power.

The middle ages: limited protections for reporting

During the Middle Ages, reporting often took on a religious dimension. The Catholic Church encouraged the reporting of heretics or corrupt clergy through systems like the Inquisition. However, these denunciations were often manipulated, and a true system of protection for whistleblowers was lacking.

Industrial revolution: the first modern forms

With the Industrial Revolution and the rise of large enterprises, whistleblowing began to take a more modern shape.

• Victorian England: workers started reporting poor working conditions in factories, but these actions were often met with retaliation. Nevertheless, some laws began to recognize workers' rights to report abuses.


• United States, 19th Century: in 1863, during the American Civil War, the False Claims Act was introduced. This law allowed citizens to report fraud against the government and receive a portion of the recovered funds. This act was a milestone in recognizing the role of whistleblowers.

The 20th century: the rise of legal protections

In the 20th century, whistleblowing became an increasingly recognized and protected practice.

• The Daniel Ellsberg case: in the 1970s, the release of the Pentagon Papers in the United States demonstrated the value of whistleblowing in revealing uncomfortable truths, significantly impacting public opinion.


• Modern legislation: in the 1980s and 1990s, many countries introduced specific laws to protect whistleblowers from retaliation, acknowledging their importance in ensuring transparency and justice.

The 21st century: whistleblowing and technology

Today, whistleblowing has taken on a global dimension thanks to technology. Platforms like Wikileaks and encrypted communication tools have made it easier for individuals to report wrongdoing on a global scale. However, the personal risk remains high, as demonstrated by cases such as Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning.

Conclusion

The origins of whistleblowing show that the desire for justice and transparency is an intrinsic element of human nature. In today's context, this practice not only concerns governments, but also plays a crucial role in private companies. Organisations, large and small, are increasingly aware that encouraging the reporting of unethical behaviour internally not only protects their reputation, but also improves the trust of employees and customers. Tools such as dedicated ethics lines and anonymous platforms are becoming the norm to enable employees to report wrongdoing without fear of retaliation. However, the real challenge for companies is to create a culture that welcomes whistleblowing as an opportunity to improve, rather than perceiving it as a threat. Protecting and valuing whistleblowers means not only respecting individual rights, but also building healthier, more transparent and resilient organisations in an increasingly competitive market.