When an organisation has to set up the reporting channel required by the EU Whistleblowing Directive (in Italy, Legislative Decree 24/2023), one of the first questions is: how much does whistleblowing software cost? There is no single price, because the cost depends on several factors. In this guide we look at what the price depends on, what to check in an offer, which hidden costs to avoid and what it costs, instead, not to be compliant.
What the price of whistleblowing software depends on
Number of employees
This is the most common factor. Many offers are split into employee bands, because a larger organisation usually has more potential whistleblowers, more handlers and a more complex internal structure.
Features included
Anonymous reports, encryption, two-factor authentication, activity log, automatic routing, management of several companies: some offers include everything, others reserve important features for higher packages. Comparing only the base price, without looking at what it includes, leads to the wrong conclusions.
Support and onboarding
Configuring the channel, customising it with the organisation's logo and address and preparing those who will handle reports takes time. Check whether onboarding and support are included or billed separately.
Training and documentation
Besides the software, you need a written procedure, a privacy notice for the whistleblower and training for those who handle reports. Ready-made templates and training materials reduce internal work and consulting costs.
Hosting and certifications
Where data is stored and with what security guarantees affects the price. A certified provider bears costs to maintain high standards, but offers stronger guarantees on the protection of sensitive information such as that contained in reports.
What to check in the offer
- Is the price annual or monthly, and is VAT included or excluded?
- Which employee band does it cover, and what happens if your headcount grows?
- Are reports unlimited or is there a maximum number?
- Are procedure and privacy notice templates included?
- How many hours of support are included, and how do you request help?
- Can the channel be used by several companies in the same group?
For a complete assessment of the technical features, also see our guide on how to choose whistleblowing software.
Hidden costs to avoid
- Paid setup: a low subscription may come with high activation costs.
- Security features as extras: encryption and two-factor authentication should be included.
- Limits on reports or users: exceeding them can trigger additional costs.
- Documentation excluded: if the procedure and privacy notice are not included, you will have to prepare them yourself or with a consultant.
- Support billed by usage: every support request can become a cost item.
The cost of not being compliant
The most important comparison is not between two offers, but between the cost of the software and the risk of not having a compliant channel. In Italy, ANAC can impose administrative fines of €10,000 to €50,000 when reporting channels have not been set up. Fines of the same amount apply, among other things, when compliant procedures have not been adopted, or in cases of retaliation and breach of the confidentiality obligation. Other EU countries set their own penalties under the Directive.
General information only, not legal advice: check your situation with a professional.
Whisper's prices and what they include
Whisper, Thorsoft's ACN-qualified whistleblowing software, has clear prices and all features included in every package:
- Whisper 100 (up to 100 employees): €500 per year + VAT.
- Whisper 250 (up to 250 employees): €900 per year + VAT.
- Whisper Enterprise: tailored.
Every package includes:
- unlimited anonymous reports, end-to-end encryption, AES-256 encryption and two-factor authentication;
- Supervisory Body/Whistleblowing activity log, automatic routing, email notifications and alerts, .p7m digital signature;
- multi-company platform, custom URL, logo, QR code and Italian and English languages;
- whistleblowing procedure template, privacy notice template for the whistleblower, GDPR guidelines;
- training documentation and training video clips;
- onboarding support and configuration and two hours of support.
F.A.Q. - Frequently asked questions
How much does whistleblowing software cost?
It depends mainly on the number of employees, the features included, support, training and the provider's security guarantees. That is why it is important to compare what each offer includes, not just the price.
How much does Whisper cost?
Whisper 100 (up to 100 employees): €500 per year + VAT. Whisper 250 (up to 250 employees): €900 per year + VAT. Whisper Enterprise: tailored. All features are included in every package.
What are the most common hidden costs?
Setup fees, security features sold as extras, limits on the number of reports or users, excluded documentation and support billed by usage.
What are the risks without a reporting channel?
In Italy, ANAC can impose administrative fines of €10,000 to €50,000 when reporting channels have not been set up. General information only, not legal advice.
Explore Whisper's packages and set up your channel.