Why Whistleblowing Is a Critical Backstop

Karl Koch is founder of the AI Whistleblower Initiative. He joins the podcast to discuss transparency and protections for AI insiders who spot safety risks. We explore current company policies, legal gaps, how to evaluate disclosure decisions, and whistleblowing as a backstop when oversight fails. The conversation covers practical guidance for potential whistleblowers and challenges of maintaining transparency as AI development accelerates.

LINKS:

• About the AI Whistleblower Initiative
• Karl Koch

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) Episode Preview

(00:55) Starting the Whistleblower Initiative

(05:43) Current State of Protections

(13:04) Path to Optimal Policies

(23:28) A Whistleblower's First Steps

(32:29) Life After Whistleblowing

(39:24) Evaluating Company Policies

(48:19) Alternatives to Whistleblowing

(55:24) High-Stakes Future Scenarios

(01:02:27) AI and National Security

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://podcast.futureoflife.org

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-of-life-institute/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-rCCy3FQ-GItDimSR9lhzw/

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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Op1WO3gwVwCrYHg4eoGyP

DISCLAIMERS:
- AIWI does not request, encourage or counsel potential whistleblowers or listeners of this podcast to act unlawfully.
- This is not legal advice and if you, the listener, find yourself needing legal counsel, please visit https://aiwi.org/contact-hub/ for detailed profiles of the world's leading whistleblower support organizations.