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Artificial intelligence (AI) has permeated most every industry and profession in the United States in the past five years, with 10% of workers reporting they use chatbot sites like ChatGPT every day and over half of business owners implementing the technology for cybersecurity and fraud management. Business leaders are integrating various AI tools, such as customer service bots and AI data analytics, into their operations to streamline processes, and enhance research and decision-making. And as with most innovations and technologies, AI is emerging and evolving faster than laws and governance designed to protect users.
But in what could be a major turning point for transparency in the sector, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced the AI Whistleblower Protection Act to provide explicit whistleblower protections to those developing and deploying AI.
National Whistleblower Center (NWC) strongly supports this bill. This Sunday Read will discuss how the act could mark a significant step forward in ensuring that employers, senior managers, and appropriate government officials obtain early warnings of significant harmful impacts caused by wrongfully deployed AI.
AI Whistleblower Protection Act: The Basics
On May 15, 2025 Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Grassley introduced the AI Whistleblower Protection Act to provide explicit whistleblower protections to those developing and deploying AI. The bill addresses AI companies’ restrictive severance and nondisclosure agreements (NDAs), which can deter current and former employees willing to make whistleblower disclosures to the federal government, including Congress. The bipartisan legislation also prohibits whistleblower retaliation and outlines clear reporting guidelines to the Department of Labor.
Grassley noted in a statement that the bill would also provide relief for AI whistleblowers who suffer retaliation, including reinstatement, back pay and compensation for damages incurred, where applicable.
“Transparency brings accountability,” said Grassley, a longtime NWC ally. “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.”
Over the past year, advocates, including the NWC have called on Congress to pass an AI whistleblower bill, noting that AI safety whistleblowers are not afforded industry-specific protections extended to other whistleblowers, such in nuclear safety or airline safety professionals.
“Rushing to place unsafe technology into the markets in order to beat competition and generate profits at the expense of national security is unacceptable,” said NWC Chairman of the Board Stephen M. Kohn in an interview with Whistleblower Network News. “The risks posed by the improper use of artificial intelligence demand that Congress immediately act and pass this urgently needed law. It is beyond dispute that insiders like the brave whistleblowers who published the Right to Warn letter are the heart and soul of accountability.”
The Finer Details
Under the AI Whistleblower Protection Act, AI companies will be prohibited from retaliating against (or threatening retaliation against) employees and former employees who report safety failures in the development, deployment, or use of AI technology.
AI whistleblowers who face retaliation would be able to file complaints with the Department of Labor and seek relief in federal court, including reinstatement, double back pay and compensatory damages. The bill also clarifies that these AI whistleblower rights cannot be waived in any employment agreement or mandatory arbitration.
Co-sponsors of the bill include Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN.), Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Brian Schatz (D-HI).
Following the introduction of the act last month, NWC issued a public statement stressing many of the aforementioned benefits. NWC closed by noting:
“Most significantly, it is a necessary safeguard against the well-documented risks to national security, including theft by foreign adversaries or the dangerous use of AI technology by terrorists can be reported, investigated, and if necessary, stop. The American public and indeed the worldwide community will be safer when AI is deployed safely without the risk of catastrophic impact.”
Why Take Action
The risks of AI have been on the public’s radar, notably when 13 AI whistleblowers issued a letter in 2024 highlighting the immense safety risks posed by AI and underscoring the need for insiders to have the ability to safely report concerns.
Also last year, anonymous OpenAI whistleblowers filed a complaint with the SEC alleging that the company was muzzling would-be whistleblowers through the use of restrictive NDAs.
NWC has established an Action Alert allowing supporters to write to Congress demanding the passage of the AI Whistleblower Protection Act.
National Whistleblower Day
AI risks and The AI Whistleblower Protection Act are likely to be addressed during NWC’s National Whistleblower Day celebration on July 30 on Capitol Hill. The event explores the day’s historical significance, provides exclusive networking opportunities and the chance for attendees to hear directly from whistleblowers, advocates, government leaders and elected officials who continue to provide support and insight.
As previously discussed, establishing a permanent National Whistleblower Day is one of the NWC’s seven campaigns. An official act would mandate that all federal agencies honor the day, provide whistleblower training to their employees, and celebrate the contributions that whistleblower have made to democracy and society.
NWC has revamped its National Whistleblower Day page, featuring individual segments of each speaker from last year’s celebration and dating back annually to 2014. The 2025 roster of speakers will be added to www.nationalwhistleblowerday.org ahead of the July 30 celebration.
You can also RSVP for this year’s event, which will be exclusively in-person. You can also contribute to a separate fundraiser for the Campaign to Make National Whistleblower Day Permanent and receive special gifts for donors.
Additional Resources
The decision to come forward is not one to be taken lightly, nor should selecting a whistleblower lawyer. NWC provides resources that can connect you with the right legal professional prior to taking any action.
Support NWC
NWC works tirelessly to strengthen whistleblower programs and educate the public about their value. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our work relies on donors like you.
Donate today to help us continue advocating for whistleblowers.
Special Offers: Donors of $50 or more will receive a free copy of Stephen M. Kohn’s latest book, Rules for Whistleblowers: A Handbook for Doing What’s Right.
Donors of $100+ will receive Rules For Whistleblowers and an exclusive NWC t-shirt.
This story was written by Justin Smulison, a professional writer, podcaster, and event host based in New York.
