FRANCE—Whistleblowing—Not the end of story

After having released its revised “Standard Authorization” on professional alert systems at the end of December 2010, the CNIL is granting specific authorizations to professional alert systems implemented by data controllers for very targeted purposes.

Randstad was the first company to seek and obtain a specific authorization for a line dedicated to discrimination issues. This line, which is distinct from the financial hotline, is open to job candidates internally and externally. It has been approved by employee representatives. At the same time, Casino Service also obtained a CNIL authorization for its antidiscrimination whistleblowing system. Both companies promote diversity in their organizations by adhering to the AFNOR diversity certification label, which requires the implementation of tools to identify claims and ensure traceability. Resorting to an alert scheme was, therefore, justified and proportionate to the goal to be achieved.

In the near future, we will probably see more specific authorizations granted by the CNIL for specific risks such as environment, harassment and intellectual property.