Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has introduced the AI Whistleblower Protection Act, a piece of legislation that aims to keep AI firms honest.

AI firms are notorious for having some of the strictest NDAs in the tech industry, and unfortunate situation considering that AI is also has the potential to be one of the most dangerous technologies ever developed. As a result, potential whistleblowers in the AI industry face stiff repercussions if they come forward.

Senator Grassley’s bill hopes to change that. The AI Whistleblower Protection Act is co-sponsored by Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i). Meanwhiles, Reps. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) and Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) are a companion bill in the House of Representatives.

The legislation merges existing AI and whistleblower protection laws to shield the communications of current and former AI employees who make disclosures. 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. 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,” Grassley said.

“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,” Coons said. “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.”

The bill is already receiving support from industry groups. In a statement provided to WPN, whistleblower nonprofit NWC announced its backing of Senator Grassley’s bill.

“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 Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors Stephen M. Kohn. “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.”