Christopher A. Coons

06/02/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/02/2025 14:00

Senators Coons, Grassley introduce AI Whistleblower Protection Act

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Whistleblower Protection Act, which provides explicit whistleblower protections to those developing and deploying AI. Currently, AI companies' restrictive severance and nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) create a chilling effect on current and former employees looking to make whistleblower disclosures to the federal government, including Congress.

The legislation establishes employment protections for current and former AI employees who make disclosures of violations of law or of failures to respond to substantial dangers that AI may pose to public safety, public health, or national security. This includes relief for AI whistleblowers who suffer retaliation, including applicable reinstatement, back pay, and compensation for damages incurred. The bill would reinforce other efforts that Senator Coons has led, including the bipartisan Platform Accountability and Transparency Act, to provide regulators, independent researchers, and the public important information about the dangers of technology that are currently known only to tech companies.

"AI is rapidly evolving in ways that have the potential to radically reshape our society and transform our world for the better and for the worse," said Senator Coons. "I have long been concerned with how much more tech companies know about the risks and harms of their products compared with regulators, independent researchers, and the public. The AI Whistleblower Protection Act is a critical tool, among others, that Congress must enact to ensure that we can get the best out of AI while also learning when it poses a substantial danger to public safety."

"Transparency brings accountability. Today, too many people working in AI feel they're unable to speak up when they see something wrong. Whistleblowers are one of the best ways to ensure Congress keeps pace as the AI industry rapidly develops. We need to act to make these protections crystal clear. I'm proud to introduce this legislation to increase accountability and protect AI whistleblowers," said Senator Grassley.

Additional co-sponsors include Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). Representatives Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) and Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) are introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

The legislation is endorsed by the National Whistleblower Center, Government Accountability Project, Center for AI Policy, Encode AI, Americans for Responsible Innovation, and The Anti-Fraud Coalition.

"The introduction of the [AI Whistleblower Protection Act] answers the call for AI industry employee whistleblower protections that will serve to protect the public, marking a turning point in guaranteeing transparency and accountability over AI companies," said Stephen Kohn, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board of the National Whistleblower Center. "National Whistleblower Center extends its sincere appreciation to [Senator Grassley], and [his] fellow sponsors and cosponsors, for championing this bill and taking a stand for all AI employees."

"In a time when AI technologies are advancing faster than many institutions can keep up, it's absolutely vital that the federal government has access to accurate, truthful information about the dangers AI poses to public health and public safety," said Jason Green-Lowe, Executive Director of the Center for AI Policy.

"[This] bill offers crucial protection for AI whistleblowers," said Jacklyn DeMar, President & CEO of The Anti-Fraud Coalition. "Sector-based whistleblower protections are desperately needed to allow insiders within the AI industry to best protect investors and ensure proper safety protocols are implemented. Given the rapid development and adoption of AI throughout our society, insiders working within the industry need to be properly protected when they blow the whistle."

"As AI systems grow more powerful and autonomous, we must shield those who sound the alarm about emerging risks. The engineers and researchers closest to these systems are the first to spot dangerous vulnerabilities or safety gaps," said Sunny Gandhi, Vice President of Political Affairs at Encode AI. "The AI Whistleblower Protection Act creates a vital safety valve for our AI ecosystem, ensuring that legitimate national security concerns reach regulators before they spiral into preventable harm."

"Ensuring transparency and accountability in the rapidly evolving field of AI is a public interest and national security imperative," said Brad Carson, President of Americans for Responsible Innovation. "Employees in the industry have firsthand knowledge of practices that may jeopardize public safety and our national security. The AI Whistleblower Protection Act ensures they aren't silenced by a fear of retaliation."

Senator Coons is a member and former Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee's Intellectual Property Subcommittee. He has led legislative efforts related to AI, focusing on American leadership in the sector, intellectual property, and potential threats associated with AI.

The text of the bill is available here.

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