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The German Whistleblower Protection Act (HinSchG): What you need to know

The German Whistleblower Protection Act requires secure reporting channels and strong confidentiality. Learn what your company must do to protect whistleblowers, comply with the law, and build trust.

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Clear legal requirements for reporting

The HinSchG sets precise rules for internal and external reporting channels, acknowledgment and follow-up timelines, and confidentiality - giving companies a clear compliance framework.

Protect people, reduce organizational risks

The law protects a wide circle of reporters (employees, trainees, freelancers and more). And a compliant system minimizes retaliation risk, legal exposure, and reputational damage.

Practical obligations and penalties made actionable

From mandatory reporting channels to administrative fines, this white paper explains required steps, good practices, and the sanctions companies face when they fall short.

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Why now is the time to strengthen whistleblower systems

The Whistleblower Protection Act, effective from July 2, 2023, transposes the EU Whistleblower Directive into German law. It requires companies above headcount thresholds to provide secure, confidential reporting channels, inform staff clearly about how to report, and guarantee timely feedback. This white paper explains who is protected, what types of violations are reportable, how internal and external reporting must work, and the practical steps companies should take to comply and build a speak-up culture.

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Key facts and figures to know about the HinSchG

These figures show the law’s operational thresholds and the enforcement risks for companies that do not comply.

  • 49

    Companies with more than 49 employees (50+) must establish secure internal reporting channels under the HinSchG.

  • 7 days

    Internal reporting channels must acknowledge receipt of a report no later than seven days after it is filed.

  • €50,000

    Fines of up to €50,000 may apply for serious violations, such as obstruction of reports, breaches of confidentiality, or acts of retaliation.

Build compliance into your whistleblowing program

Meeting the German Whistleblower Protection Act requires planning across people, process, and technology. These four practical steps walk you from initial readiness to a resilient, trusted reporting system.

  • Design secure reporting systems

    Create reporting channels that guarantee confidentiality and are easy to use in writing, verbally, and in person. Where anonymity is requested, ensure your technology and data protection procedures support anonymous intake and robust identity safeguards. Document access controls and retention policies so that confidentiality obligations are demonstrably met.

Design secure reporting systems

Create reporting channels that guarantee confidentiality and are easy to use in writing, verbally, and in person. Where anonymity is requested, ensure your technology and data protection procedures support anonymous intake and robust identity safeguards. Document access controls and retention policies so that confidentiality obligations are demonstrably met.

Explore more resources on whistleblowing and incident management

Ready to meet the German Whistleblower Protection Act requirements?

Don’t wait until a complaint or regulator forces your hand. Learn how to design secure channels, train your people, and embed whistleblowing into your compliance strategy with our practical white paper.

Download the white paper

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