Schakowsky, Trahan, Kean Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect FTC Whistleblowers as The Social Reckoning Hits Theaters

Full Text of Bill (PDF)

WASHINGTON- As The Social Reckoning, a new film about Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, hits theaters nationwide, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), and Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) today introduced bipartisan legislation to protect whistleblowers who disclose wrongdoing at their current or former workplaces that fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The FTC Whistleblower Act of 2026 would protect current and former employees from retaliation when they disclose violations of consumer protection and antitrust laws to the FTC. The legislation would also establish incentives for whistleblowers to come forward with information about unlawful conduct.

"Frances Haugen took an enormous risk when she came forward with information about what was happening inside Facebook," said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. "Her courage helped expose serious concerns about the impact of social media on our children and families. But no worker should have to choose between doing the right thing and losing their livelihood. Our bipartisan bill makes sure whistleblowers who expose wrongdoing to the FTC have the protections they deserve."

"When something goes wrong inside a company, the workers there are often the first to know. Today, if they bring that information to the FTC, they take the risk alone," said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. "The FTC Whistleblower Act gives them real protections and a real reason to come forward. That's good for workers, good for families, and good for the companies doing things the right way. Frances Haugen showed what one person can do. Nobody should have to be that brave just to tell the truth."

"The FTC Whistleblower Act would empower workers to safely report corporate misconduct without fear of retaliation. By protecting whistleblowers who report misconduct, the bill will allow the FTC to uncover violations and build strong enforcement cases," said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. "With increased transparency into harmful practices, the bill ensures companies can't operate in the shadows and protects workers from retaliation."

The FTC is the federal agency responsible for enforcing a broad range of consumer protection and antitrust laws. Unlike some other federal agencies, the FTC does not have a comprehensive whistleblower protection and award program for employees who report violations within its jurisdiction.

"This legislation is an excellent opportunity for Congress to apply cohesive rights across federal agencies, including the FTC, in accordance with their sustained leadership on whistleblower protections. The FTC's ability to protect consumers and keep big businesses in check goes hand in hand with whistleblowers keeping Americans safe. Providing protections and best practice incentives for whistleblowers coming forward with original information to the Commission is a nonpartisan issue and essential to good governance," said Maya Efrati, Director of Legislation & Congressional Affairs at Government Accountability Project.

"Whistleblowers are our most effective safeguard against corporate fraud and corruption. This bill strengthens essential protections and incentives so that insiders can more safely expose wrongdoing that harms American families and consumers. POGO appreciates Congresswoman Schakowsky's leadership on this crucial bill that will enhance regulatory oversight, hold powerful corporations more accountable, and protect the public's trust," said Joe Spielberger, Senior Policy Counsel, Project On Government Oversight.

The need for stronger protections was highlighted by Haugen's 2021 disclosures of internal Facebook documents, which became known as the "Facebook Files." Haugen later testified before Congress about the company's practices and their potential impact on young people.

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