On August 8, two congressmembers wrote to the CEO of a tech company about the company’s whistleblower and conflict of interest protections, questioning whether federal intervention would be necessary. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Representative Lori Trahan (D-MA) expressed concerns that artificial intelligence (AI) models could destabilize public safety and national security. Their letter followed an open letter from a group of employees who stated they had “lost confidence that [the company] will behave responsibly.” This open letter was released after it became public that the company included non-disparagement clauses in contracts, which would cause employees to lose all vested equity if they criticized the company. The employees acknowledged that the company made some reforms but argued that enforcement may still be needed. The congressmembers outlined five items for the CEO to address by August 22:
1. The company’s “Integrity [Phone] Line” meant for employees to raise concerns.
2. The company’s employee handbook and employees’ comments on it.
3. This letter to Senators regarding the company’s non-disparagement provisions.
4. Changes in the company’s safety processes following a product’s rushed release.
5. The company’s audit committee and new conflicts policy.
