Whistleblower Protection
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Icelandic Acts of the Althingi, statutory instruments, and official guidance.
Icelandic National Law
What is this right?
Iceland's first comprehensive whistleblower law (Act No. 40/2020) protects workers who report misconduct:
- Scope: Covers workers in both public and private sectors.
- What can be reported: Breaches of legal obligations and other reprehensible misconduct in the employer's operations.
- Public sector obligation: Employees of central/local government or undertakings 51%+ publicly owned have an obligation (not just authorisation) to report.
Reporting channels (in order):
- Internal — to a designated person within the organisation.
- External — to police, Parliamentary Ombudsman, Auditor-General, AOSH, or other appropriate authorities.
- Media — only when internal channels have been exhausted and the public interest outweighs employer interests.
When does it apply?
- You are an employee, contractor, or intern in Iceland.
- You have reasonable grounds for believing the information is correct.
- The disclosure must serve the public interest.
What should you do?
- Document everything — keep copies of evidence, communications, and dates.
- Use your employer's internal reporting channel first if one exists.
- If internal reporting is not safe or effective, report to the relevant public authority.
- You are entitled to legal aid at the district court, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court levels.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't go to the media first — media disclosure is only protected when internal and external channels have been exhausted.
- Don't disclose confidential information beyond what is necessary to support your report.
- Don't fear retaliation — you cannot be terminated, demoted, or subjected to adverse changes in working conditions for reporting in good faith.
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