What is an ethics hotline?
An ethics hotline (or whistleblower hotline) is a channel that lets employees or others report concerns about wrongdoing — fraud, harassment, safety, compliance — often anonymously. Many organizations use one to meet compliance expectations such as SOX or the EU Whistleblower Directive, and to encourage a speak-up culture.
Comparing the options
Three shapes of solution dominate. They differ less in what they collect than in how the reporter experiences them.
| Phone hotline | Web-based | Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Often staffed hours only | 24/7 | 24/7 for the web channel |
| Written record | Only if transcribed | Yes, in the reporter's words | Yes, via the web channel |
| Feels anonymous | Voice and caller ID undercut it | Yes, if no account is required | Depends which channel is used |
| Asks of the reporter | A phone and a private place to speak | Internet access and some comfort with technology | Either — the reporter chooses |
| Main trade-off | Familiar, but leaves the least evidence | Best record, excludes anyone offline | Widest reach, two channels to secure and manage |
Key features to evaluate
Whatever shape you choose, these are the questions that separate a channel people use from one that only satisfies an auditor.
-
Anonymous option
Can reporters submit without giving their name or contact details?
-
Security and encryption
Are reports and follow-up messages protected in transit and at rest?
-
No registration
Can someone report without creating an account or providing an email address?
-
Follow-up
Can reporters check status or add information — via a case number, say — without revealing who they are?
-
Control
Can the reporter choose who receives the report, and set up escalation if there is no response?
-
Availability
Is the channel available 24/7?
-
Cost and sustainability
Is the solution affordable for your organization, or free?
Comparison criteria
When comparing specific providers, work through these:
- Does it support truly anonymous reporting, with no required email or account?
- Is the provider transparent about data handling, retention, and who can access reports?
- Does it meet any specific regulatory requirements you have, such as the EU Directive or SOX?
- Can reporters follow up securely — with a case number — without losing anonymity?
- Can your organization receive and manage reports in a way that fits your process?
- What is the total cost (subscription, per-report fees, setup), and is it sustainable long term?
Where EZ Report fits
EZ Report is a free, web-based ethics and whistleblower reporting platform. Measured against the criteria above:
-
No registration
Reporters do not need an account, email address, or name.
-
Anonymous by design
No tracking, and reports are encrypted. Reporters get a case number to look up their report and follow up later.
-
Reporter in control
The reporter chooses who receives the report when they submit it, and can set up automatic escalation if nobody responds.
-
Non-profit
Operated by PeopleHealth.io. Our mission is to support safe, ethical reporting, not to maximize revenue.
Organizations can offer EZ Report as part of their compliance and ethics program. Reporters can use it as individuals even if their employer does not — see For Organizations for how to put it in front of your people.