FAQs

Evidence & Documentation

What kind of information is most useful?
Information that helps establish what happened, who was responsible, and when. This might include observations, witness accounts, regulatory filings, public records, or other material you have legitimate access to or have obtained lawfully. Our triage team can assess whether information can be verified or supplemented through further research.

Can I submit information even if it is incomplete?
Yes. Many cases develop from partial information. Our triage team evaluates whether what you've shared can be verified or built on through further research.

What if I'm not sure whether what I've seen is actually wrong?
You don't need to be certain. If something seems wrong, or inconsistent with what you've been told, that's worth sharing. Our triage team can assess whether the information is significant and how it fits with what we already know.

Do I need to be a current employee to report?
No. We accept reports from current and former employees, contractors, suppliers, community members, and industry experts.

Security & Personal Protection

Is it legal to report environmental wrongdoing?
In most jurisdictions, reporting genuine environmental wrongdoing in good faith to an independent platform like aktie.earth is lawful. Legal protections vary significantly by country. The EU Whistleblower Directive provides strong protections in EU member states, while protections in countries like Brazil or Indonesia are more limited. We recommend reviewing the legal guidance for your country before submitting, and seeking independent legal advice if you are uncertain.

How can I protect myself before submitting a report?
We recommend accessing the platform through the Tor Browser and avoiding submission from work devices, company networks, or accounts linked to your identity.

Should I speak to colleagues about reporting misconduct?
In many situations it is safer not to discuss whistleblowing plans with others, as this may increase the risk of retaliation or exposure.

What if I fear retaliation for reporting wrongdoing?
You should take precautions to protect your identity. We encourage the use of anonymous communication channels and recommend seeking independent legal advice if necessary.

Will you reveal my identity to the authorities?
aktie.earth is designed as an anonymous channel. We do not share source identities with enforcement partners. In exceptional circumstances involving imminent risk to life, legal obligations may apply, if this concerns you, we recommend seeking independent legal advice.

Why use the Tor Browser?
Standard browsers (Chrome/Safari) and ISPs can track your visit to this site. Tor masks your IP address, making your visit to our portal invisible to outside observers.

What happens to my 16-digit code?
This code is your only way to track your report and chat with our triage team. We cannot recover it if lost. Write it down and store it somewhere secure and private, separate from your devices.

Investigation Process

Does aktie.earth investigate every report it receives?
All submissions are reviewed by our triage team. We take every report seriously. Cases that meet our criteria for credibility, significance, and potential for accountability action may be developed further with our partner network.

What happens if my report is verified?
Verified information may contribute to investigations, legal actions, regulatory complaints, or strategic litigation aimed at holding responsible actors accountable.

Will my report automatically lead to a lawsuit?
Not necessarily. Some reports lead to further research, others inform advocacy or legal strategies. Only a small number of cases ultimately become litigation.

Partnerships & Legal Action

Who reviews the information submitted through aktie.earth?
Reports are reviewed by a specialised triage team with experience in environmental law, evidence assessment, and source protection.

Do you share reports with law enforcement authorities?
Vetted intelligence may be shared with trusted NGO partners, legal teams, or regulatory bodies as appropriate. Your identity is never disclosed. We do not proactively share information with police or criminal authorities.

Can my information contribute to strategic litigation cases?
Yes. In some situations, whistleblower information helps build legal cases against companies or institutions responsible for environmental harm.

Impact & Transparency

Will I know if my information has an impact?
If you keep your submission code, you may be able to receive updates through the secure messaging system. However, some investigations remain confidential for legal reasons.

Why are whistleblowers important for environmental accountability?
Many environmental violations occur behind closed doors. Insider information can play a crucial role in uncovering wrongdoing that would otherwise remain hidden.