Recital 82

(82)Safeguarding the confidentiality of the identity of the reporting person during the reporting process and investigations triggered by the report is an essential ex-ante measure to prevent retaliation. It should only be possible to disclose the identity of the reporting person where that is a necessary and proportionate obligation under Union or national law in the context of investigations by authorities or judicial proceedings, in particular to safeguard the rights of defence of persons concerned. Such an obligation could derive, in particular, from Directive 2012/13/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council ⁴² . The protection of confidentiality should not apply where the reporting person has intentionally revealed his or her identity in the context of a public disclosure.