TL;DR — Key Takeaways
– New York Attorney General Letitia James is encouraging workers to report potentially unsafe or unlawful AI practices through the state’s whistleblower portal.
– The effort reflects growing concern that employees inside AI companies may spot safety and security risks before regulators or the public.
– The proposed federal AI Whistleblower Protection Act would extend protections to workers who report potential AI-related safety and security problems.
“You know how to whistle, don’t ya?” That’s the famous Lauren Bacall line to Humphrey Bogart in the classic film To Have and Have Not. Now New York State attorney general Letitia James is telling New York workers they can do the same when it comes to reporting unsafe or illegal conduct by AI. New Yorkers, however, won’t have to follow Bacall’s instructions—“You just put your lips together and blow.” Instead, New Yorkers can use a much less sultry but secure website to lodge an anonymous complaint.
“The power and promise of artificial intelligence are no excuse for using this technology to break the law or put New Yorkers at risk,” said AG James. “Those developing AI have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe. I encourage anyone with information about emerging AI technologies that are violating the law to contact my office.”
The New York AG’s sentiment mirrors proposed Congressional legislation called the AI Whistleblower Protection Act (AIWPA) that would protect people reporting possible safety and security violations. An unusual aspect of AIWPA is a provision that allows whistleblowers to cry foul on AI endeavors that may not yet be illegal in recognition of AI’s fast development. Whistleblower protection is considered especially important regarding the fast-paced world of AI. Whistleblowers are more likely to spot potential problems before regulators, policymakers and the general public. For example, the current AI safety drumbeat is likely due to the revelations of former Anthropic insider Jacob Coxin.
The New York AG’s proclamation comes against mounting concerns about AI safety across the tech landscape. James, who has a long, contentious history with President Trump, appears to be once again in opposition to a president in favor of hands-free AI development. James also is a supporter of New York’s Responsible AI Safety and Education (RAISE) Act that comes into effect January 1, 2027. Similar to AI regulations for California, RAISE requires large AI developers to publicly disclose their safety measures and swiftly report security and safety incidents. RAISE is among the first state-developed regulations to apply legal guidelines to AI developers.
