GlobaLeaks
GlobaLeaks: A capable free option for teams prepared to manage Linux-based self-hosting. Ranked #13 of 27 in Whistleblower Hotline Software by our editors (7.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for technical teams wanting free self-hosted software.
At a glance
- Editor score7.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forTechnical teams wanting free self-hosted software
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Anonymous reportingYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Anonymous reporting with receipt-based follow-up and encrypted storage
- Conditional questionnaires, case statuses, and configurable retention policies
- Multiple channels with bidirectional anonymous messaging
Where it doesn't
- Requires self-hosted Linux deployment and administration
- Teams may need extra work for integrations and ecosystem fit
- Managed hosting and support depend on service providers
Our verdict on GlobaLeaks
GlobaLeaks is free, open-source whistleblower hotline software for organizations that need secure reporting channels. It is designed for public agencies, corporations, investigative journalists, activists, and human-rights organizations. Administrators can create reporting sites, customize questionnaires, manage cases, configure retention policies, and communicate with reporters. Whistleblowers can submit messages and documents anonymously, receive a receipt, and exchange follow-up messages with recipients through a web interface.
The pricing model is straightforward: GlobaLeaks is available without licensing costs, and there are no paid software tiers to compare. Its published capabilities include anonymous report submission, encrypted storage, OpenPGP-encrypted notifications, bidirectional anonymous messaging, custom multi-step questionnaires, multiple reporting channels, case statuses, and secure deletion policies. Organizations can also configure HTTPS, Tor, IP access controls, notification templates, SMTP settings, and a privacy-preserving audit log. Managed hosting and support may be provided by service providers, adding a service option around the free software rather than a paid GlobaLeaks plan.
The main trade-off is implementation responsibility. GlobaLeaks is self-hosted, uses Linux packages or Docker installation options, and is accessed through the web, so teams need the technical capacity to deploy and operate it. Multiple channels, secondary whistleblowing sites, retention controls, and conditional questionnaires support more structured programs, but they also create administration work. Teams seeking control over hosting, privacy-focused workflows, and customization should consider GlobaLeaks. Organizations that prefer a managed hotline with established integrations and less infrastructure responsibility should choose an alternative.
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GlobaLeaks pricing
GlobaLeaks fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Anonymous reporting | Yes |
| Intake channels | Not verified |
| Phone hotline | Not verified |
| Workflow automation | Yes |
| Custom intake forms | Yes |
| Single sign-on | Not verified |
| Employee coverage | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Cloud |
| Platforms | Web, Linux |
| Compliance & security | GDPR, ISO 27001 |
| Support | Docs, Tickets, Community |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | globaleaks.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to GlobaLeaks
- Diligent Speak Up ManagerA broad speak-up system combining AI intake, anonymous reporting and investigation management.8.9
- SpeakUp ReportA mature, multi-channel hotline and case management platform for complex programs.8.8
- Whispli CoreA multichannel reporting platform with mobile apps, automation, and enterprise controls.8.7
See all GlobaLeaks alternatives →
Also Ranked In
GlobaLeaks is ranked in 4 of our directories.
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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