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Report Types - Anonymous vs Confidential Reporting

Choose between anonymous or confidential whistleblowing. Compare features, security, and best practices for each reporting type with complete encryption protection.

Report Types

Disclosurely supports two types of report submissions: Anonymous and Confidential. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right approach.

Anonymous Reports

Complete anonymity guaranteed - no personal information collected or stored.

How It Works

  • Submit report without providing identity
  • Content encrypted client-side before transmission
  • Receive unique tracking ID (DIS-XXXXXXXX)
  • Track status and communicate via tracking ID
  • Organization cannot identify you

Best For

  • Sensitive issues where retaliation is feared
  • Situations requiring maximum privacy
  • When you don't need direct communication
  • Reports about senior leadership
  • Concerns about investigation impartiality

Features

✅ End-to-end encryption ✅ Zero-knowledge architecture ✅ Two-way secure messaging ✅ Status tracking ✅ File uploads supported ✅ Cannot be traced to you

Limitations

  • Cannot provide direct follow-up (use messaging instead)
  • If tracking ID is lost, cannot recover access
  • More difficult for investigators to clarify details

Confidential Reports

Identity known to organization but kept confidential - easier communication while protecting privacy.

How It Works

  • Provide your contact information
  • Identity known to authorized personnel only
  • Direct communication possible
  • Protected from unauthorized disclosure
  • Still encrypted and secure

Best For

  • Issues where you're comfortable sharing identity
  • When direct communication is important
  • Situations requiring your specific knowledge
  • Follow-up clarification likely needed
  • When you want to participate in investigation

Features

✅ Secure and encrypted ✅ Direct communication ✅ Easier follow-up ✅ Identity protected from unauthorized access ✅ Can participate in investigation ✅ Receive direct updates

Protections

  • Identity shared on need-to-know basis only
  • Protected from retaliation
  • Audit trail of who accesses your information
  • Confidentiality maintained in investigation

Choosing the Right Type

Choose Anonymous If:

  • You fear retaliation
  • Issue involves senior management
  • Maximum privacy is priority
  • You're uncomfortable revealing identity
  • Issue is highly sensitive

Choose Confidential If:

  • You're comfortable sharing identity
  • Direct communication is valuable
  • You want to participate in process
  • Issue requires your specific expertise
  • You trust the investigation process

Switching Between Types

Can I make an anonymous report confidential? Yes - you can reveal your identity by including it in a message.

Can I make a confidential report anonymous? No - once identity is shared, it cannot be undone.

Best Practices

For Anonymous Reports:

  • Save tracking ID securely
  • Don't include identifying information
  • Use personal devices/networks
  • Avoid patterns that might identify you
  • Check status from safe locations

For Confidential Reports:

  • Provide accurate contact information
  • Respond promptly to follow-up questions
  • Document any retaliation attempts
  • Keep copies of relevant evidence
  • Maintain discretion about investigation

Next Steps:

Report Types - Anonymous vs Confidential Reporting | Disclosurely Docs