ÚOHS spustil nový oznamovací nástroj pro whistleblowing

The Office for the Protection of Competition has launched a new online tool for anonymous and confidential reporting of suspected infringements of the rules laid down in the Competition Protection Act.

The tool is intended for the public and aims to facilitate the collection of more incentives leading to the detection of infringements, speed up investigations, and potentially impose sanctions on undertakings committing such infringements.

Reports can be submitted through the Office's web interface HERE. To submit a report, users simply need to click on "Make a report" option and answer the provided questions. In addition to predefined categories of information, users can also attach files or upload audio recordings. Users can further decide whether they wish to remain anonymous or provide their contact details to facilitate any potential follow-up communication.

Within the tool, it is also possible to create a Secure Inbox for anonymous communication with the Office. However, the tool-generated Case ID and the password chosen by the user must be remembered, as they cannot be recovered due to the need to maintain anonymity. Once the Office completes the investigation of the report, the user will be informed of the outcome through the Secure Inbox.

The Office emphasizes that the reporting tool is intended solely for obtaining information about possible illegal conduct, and not for knowingly making false accusations against competitors or intentionally providing misleading information.

Authors:

Vladimír Petráček

Veronika Juhasová

Johanna Roháčková