Congress may have an opportunity to address this issue in the coming months, possibly pushing an AI package that would boost research and development and promote guidelines for the technology’s use. In September, Sen. Ed Markey introduced an AI Civil Rights bill that includes whistleblower and anti-retaliation protections. However, some tech workers who have claimed federal whistleblower protections have cited laws that wouldn’t cover some issues raised by AI’s rapid development.
Key takeaways:
- Workers at artificial intelligence companies are seeking specific whistleblower protection from Congress, arguing that advancements in AI technology pose threats that they can't legally expose under current law.
- Harvard law professor Lawrence Lessig, who represented OpenAI employees, argues that self-regulation by tech companies and AI startups is not sufficient and that regulation is needed.
- Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) introduced an AI Civil Rights bill (S. 5152) that includes whistleblower and anti-retaliation protections, and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) advocates for enhanced accountability in evolving industries like AI.
- OpenAI has a whistleblower policy that protects employees' rights to raise issues, but the company prohibits revealing trade secrets, which is covered by confidentiality agreements.