Grassley Bill Would Protect AI Workers Reporting Security and Safety Risks
The bipartisan measure would bar retaliation against current and former AI workers who disclose vulnerabilities, legal violations or threats to public health, safety or national security.
Sen. Chuck Grassley introduced a bipartisan Senate bill that would protect current and former artificial intelligence workers from retaliation when they report security vulnerabilities, legal violations or serious safety concerns.
The AI Whistleblower Protection Act, S. 1792, was introduced May 15, 2025, and referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (HELP). Its stated purpose is to prohibit employment discrimination against workers who disclose AI security vulnerabilities or violations of federal law.
The measure would bar employers from firing, demoting, suspending, threatening, blacklisting, harassing or otherwise discriminating against covered individuals because of protected disclosures. Reports could be made to regulators, the attorney general, law-enforcement agencies, Congress, authorized supervisors or company personnel able to investigate or address alleged misconduct.
The bill covers disclosures involving AI security vulnerabilities, violations of federal law, and conduct an employee reasonably believes threatens public health, public safety or national security. Potential remedies include reinstatement, back pay and compensation for damages.
“Transparency brings accountability. Today, too many people working in AI feel they’re unable to speak up when they see something wrong,” Grassley said when introducing the bill.
The original Senate sponsors also included Sens. Chris Coons, Marsha Blackburn, Amy Klobuchar, Josh Hawley and Brian Schatz. Reps. Jay Obernolte and Ted Lieu introduced companion legislation in the House.
Twenty-two organizations sent a letter supporting the legislation and urging action by the HELP Committee in June 2025.
The proposal addresses employment agreements and workplace practices that could discourage AI employees from reporting risks. It combines existing AI and whistleblower protections.
“Whistleblowers are one of the best ways to ensure Congress keeps pace as the AI industry rapidly develops,” Grassley said.
