What is the difference between whistleblowing and snitching?

Whistleblowing and snitching are two different practices that should not be confused. Whistleblowing is when an employee reports their employer for engaging in unethical or illegal activity. This usually involves informing a governing authority, such as a state agency, of the possible wrongdoing. On the other hand, snitching is when an individual reveals confidential information to another person or authority, such as law enforcement, to gain favor or an advantage. This tends to be done without any benevolent motive and is more often done out of personal gain. In California, whistleblowing is a protected right for employees. It is illegal for employers to retaliate against an employee who has reported wrongdoing. Employers are not allowed to terminate, demote, or otherwise penalize an employee who has blown the whistle on their company. On the other hand, snitching is not legally protected in California. Depending on the situation, snitching can get someone into legal trouble, as it often involves revealing confidential or personal information to another person or authority. The key difference between whistleblowing and snitching is that whistleblowing is done for the benefit of other people, often with no gain or reward for the whistleblower, while snitching is done for personal gain or advantage and is usually illegal. Both practices can have serious consequences, so it is important to understand the difference between the two.

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