Can complainants receive confidentiality or remain anonymous?

The Inspector General Act of 1978 (IG Act) protects a complainant who chooses to remain confidential. The complainant may remain confidential (i.e., known only to the EEOC OIG except when the IG determines the disclosure is unavoidable or is otherwise legally compelled) or anonymous (i.e., unknown even to the EEOC OIG). If the complainant chooses to remain anonymous, EEOC OIG cannot obtain additional information on the allegation (e.g., testimonial or documentary evidence, identity of witnesses), and also cannot inform the complainant as to what action EEOC OIG has taken on the complaint. Confidential status allows further communication between EEOC OIG and the complainant after the original complaint is received.