What is a Whistleblower?

A whistleblower is defined as a person who reveals evidence of wrongdoing, often within an organization. This may include reporting illegal activities, unethical practices, or violations of regulations that could harm the public or the organization itself. Whistleblowers play a crucial role in promoting accountability and transparency, often at significant personal risk, such as job loss or retaliation.

The other options each represent different roles but do not capture the essence of what a whistleblower is. For instance, a journalist disclosing hidden information may be reporting on wrongdoing but is not necessarily a whistleblower; they may not have a personal stake in the wrongdoing or may be relying on information provided by others. An investigator of corporate misconduct can help uncover wrongdoing but does not classify as a whistleblower unless they are also revealing that information publicly as a direct insider. Similarly, a government official exposing corruption could be seen as a whistleblower if they reveal wrongdoing, but this role is much narrower and specifically pertains to public officials, excluding the broader category of private sector whistleblowers. Therefore, the choice that best encapsulates the fundamental concept of a whistleblower is the one that defines them as someone who reveals evidence of wrongdoing.