National Whistleblower Day

A whistleblower holding a megaphone, standing in front of a backdrop of historical documents and an American flag.. — National whistleblower day illustration

Blow your whistles, everyone! It's time to explore the internet history of National Whistleblower Day. Known for its blend of history, heroism, and a dash of rebellious spirit, let's begin our adventure into its sonic past.

When is Whistleblower Day?

It's national whistleblower day on the 19th September.

A Chorus of Whistles

Beyond the cacophony of daily life, a notable tune emerges every year as we celebrate National Whistleblower Day. This day shines a spotlight on those brave, rule-bending individuals who value truth and transparency above all.

From Whence the Whistling Came

Our online journey of 2584 mentions reveals a peak in the melody on September 19th, 2018. When we look closer, we discover that this amusing date's popularity coincides with the public recognition of whistleblowers. The internet was buzzing, with Twitter playing the role of conductor in this intricate symphony of public attention. The digital world took note of these rebellious heroes, celebrating their courageous actions, thus amplifying the reach of National Whistleblower Day.

Why The Fuss?

This National Day doesn't just emerge from a love of noise. Whistleblowers have played a pivotal role in uncovering unethical practices, championing truth, and advocating for justice throughout history - and that’s definitely something to whistle about!

Make Some Noise

Whether you're exposing corporate malfeasance, or just a fan of whistleblowing as a pastime, National Whistleblower Day provides the perfect excuse to puff out your cheeks and make some noise. Commemorate the day by learning about famous whistleblowers, understanding their impact, and yes -whistling a tune or two.

History behind the term 'Whistleblower'

1777

Whistling to Alert

The term 'whistleblower' finds its origins in the 18th century when it was common for police, night watchmen, and other security personnel to use whistles as a means of alerting the public to danger or summoning assistance. These individuals were referred to as 'whistle-blowers' due to their use of whistles to raise an alarm and attract attention in times of emergency.

1863

Civil War Spies

During the American Civil War, the term 'whistleblower' took on a new meaning. Union soldiers who served as spies and disclosed valuable information by blowing whistles as a signal came to be called 'whistleblowers.' These individuals played a crucial role in intelligence gathering and were often enlisted to gather clandestine information from behind enemy lines.

1971

Ralph Nader's Influence

The modern usage of the term 'whistleblower' can be traced back to the early 1970s when consumer advocate Ralph Nader used it to describe individuals who exposed corruption and misconduct within government or corporate organizations. Nader popularized the term during his public campaigns for increased transparency and accountability, bringing attention to the importance of individuals who risked their own well-being to reveal wrongdoing.

1989

Whistleblower Protection Act

In 1989, the United States government passed the Whistleblower Protection Act. This legislation provided legal protections and safeguards for individuals who reported misconduct, fraud, or other illegal activities within federal agencies. The act aimed to encourage whistleblowers to come forward without fear of retaliation and ensured their rights and confidentiality in the process.

2010s

Global Impact and Increased Awareness

In recent years, the term 'whistleblower' has gained significant global recognition and has been associated with high-profile cases that exposed corporate scandals, government secrets, and illegal activities. Prominent whistleblowers such as Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning brought international attention to the role of whistleblowers in society and the controversies surrounding their actions, sparking debates on national security, surveillance, and ethics.

Did you know?

Did you know that the concept of whistleblowing dates back to 7th-century England? An 'informant' (or whistleblower as we would call them today) was rewarded with one third of the fined amount paid by the wrongdoer.