Ifeoma Ozoma, a Pinterest whistleblower, devises a new approach for Tech workers to express themselves

Ifeoma Ozoma was ready when she came forward with claims of racism and discrimination at Pinterest. In advance, she’d compiled a list of possible reporters. In fact, she’d already secured the services of a legal representative. Afterwards, she began receiving responses from other tech workers who desired to speak out as well. According to her, “the general lack of awareness about the options and options available was surprising.

She’s now on a mission to make things right. 

Today, Ozoma has released the Tech Worker Handbook, a complete online guide to assist employees who wish to voice their concerns or express their ideas. As stated on the website, “deciding to go toe-to-toe with a powerful and well-resourced corporation is difficult for many reasons” We believe that finding legal advice, contacting the appropriate governmental agency, working with the media, protecting personal information, or staying safe shouldn’t be a barrier in itself.

Getting legal assistance, dealing with the media, and maintaining digital and physical security are all covered on the website. “It’s not a step-by-step guide,” Ozoma asserts. You can use it to decide whether or not coming forward is the correct decision for persons who have information in the public interest.

The Silenced No More Act, a bill Ozoma helped push, would safeguard employees who speak out about harassment and discrimination, even if they’ve signed a non-disclosure agreement. This could make the decision easier for California employees. The bill was signed into law by Governor Newsom in August after passing the state Assembly.

The Tech Worker Handbook materials were designed by Ozoma in collaboration with the Whistleblowing International Network, the Signals Network, and Lioness Strategies, the group behind last week’s blockbuster Blue Origin revelations. The Omidyar Network provided financial support for the endeavour.

Ozoma emphasises that the goal here is to maximise the effectiveness of whistleblowers. For instance, she cites the former Facebook product manager’s testimony before a Senate panel on the platform’s negative impacts and says, “Frances was incredibly fucking prepared.” “You’re more powerful if you’re prepared.”