John Doe provisions allow individuals to anonymously file lawsuits or complaints against organizations suspected of wrongdoing. This anonymity mitigates the risk of retaliation, allowing potential whistleblowers to feel safer reporting misconduct.

In some John Doe cases, a whistleblower’s identity may eventually be revealed during legal proceedings, although courts will typically try to minimize exposure. The availability of John Doe provisions can vary by jurisdiction and the specific type of whistleblower complaint.