Introduction:
What kind of cases are you the right organization for?
Whistleblower Aid is the right organization for individuals who
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Work in sensitive positions (Big Tech, Government, Intelligence & National Security)
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Have witnessed wrongdoing and need to safely disclose this information
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Possess evidence of legal violations, corruption, or threats to public safety but fear retaliation
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Want to report misconduct through proper channels without breaking the law themselves
Why should AI whistleblowers come to you?
Roughly ~50% of Whistleblower Aid’s cases are in the Tech space, having supported prominent Tech whistleblowers from Facebook, Twitter, or Airbnb. Founded by a whistleblower, they combine legal expertise with practical support throughout the whistleblowing process – from secure initial contact to legal representation and public advocacy when appropriate.
They specialize in high-stakes whistleblowing cases where the information serves significant public interest and where expert legal guidance is essential to navigate complex legal frameworks like classified information statutes, non-disclosure agreements, and whistleblower protection laws.
They are aligned to integrate expertise of OAISIS/Third Opinion experts on AI cases.
Why do you care about Whistleblowing in AI?
AI is a critical technology that deserves the public’s eye in line with Whistleblower Aid’s mission.
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(Past) cases of the team
Ongoing: A whistleblower’s disclosure details how DOGE may have taken sensitive labor data
Whistleblower Dan Berulis has exposed DOGE’s alleged theft of NLRB systems data. Evidence suggests Russian actors gained immediate access to the information. Berulis faces physical intimidation after revealing the breach, which could affect millions of Americans.
The Facebook Whistleblower, Frances Haugen, Says She Wants to Fix the Company, Not Harm It
Whistleblower Aid helped Frances Haugen release Facebook documents and arrange congressional hearings, coordinating media coverage with The Wall Street Journal and 60 Minutes. Their expertise informs ongoing investigations and legislation like the Kids Online Safety Act.
Ex-Twitter exec blows the whistle, alleging reckless and negligent cybersecurity policies
Before Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter, Peiter “Mudge” Zatko—the company’s former head of security—raised serious concerns about its security, privacy, and infrastructure failures. To do so, he sought support from Whistleblower Aid. With assistance from their co-counsel at Katz Banks & Kumin, they submitted disclosures to the SEC, DOJ, and FTC, as well as to key Congressional committees, helping to spark global media coverage.
Resources
Link to an Interview by NYT with John Tyde, Co-Founder of Whistleblower Aid in 2019: How to Be A Whistle-Blower
Interview with Frances Haugen, Facebook Whistleblower, on Whistleblowing on the Age of AI, including a quote by Libby Liu, CEO of Whistleblower Aid, who represented Frances Haugen
Case Focus
Type of Cases
No clear law-breaking but with significant public interest
Out of scope: Cases with no suspected law-breaking (i.e. pure public disclosure without law-breaking)
Focus Areas
Intelligence & National Security
Timing
As soon as possible. Ideally starting before a whistleblower takes risky steps on their own
Barred in
District of Columbia
Maryland
New York
Connecticut
They may not be the best fit for…
Cases that do not carry an element of public interest.
Individual profiles:
Ms. Liu was compelled to create OTF to protect the digital lives of individuals while serving as president of Radio Free Asia (RFA), a non-profit media company that provides uncensored objective news and information otherwise unavailable to audiences in East Asia. In 16 years at the helm, she led RFA’s vision, directed RFA’s editorial strategy and shaped its administrative policies, working closely with a bipartisan board, its grantor agency, USAGM, oversight and appropriations committees of the U.S. Congress, the State Department, international public broadcasters and stakeholders in the U.S. and abroad.
Ms. Liu has served as assistant district attorney in the San Francisco District Attorney’s office and is a former corporate labor and employment law attorney. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California-Berkeley, an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. In 2021, she was honored as a Luxembourg Peace Prize laureate for outstanding work on technology that promotes peace.
He was also Whistleblower Aid’s first client. Working closely with Mr. Bakaj, the Whistleblower Aid team successfully blocked a presidential appointment of an individual who reprised against Mr. Bakaj and who, during their confirmation process, perjured themselves before Congress. He served as lead counsel to the anonymous intelligence officer whose 2019 disclosures about Ukraine led to the first impeachment of President Trump—keeping them safe and in their job.
Mr. Bakaj is the founding and managing partner of Compass Rose Legal Group, PLLC and is the recipient of numerous professional accolades including the Department of Defense Career Achievement Award and being named “Investigator of the Year” for his work on chemical weapons storage. He was also named 2020 “Lawyer of the Year” by the Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association, along with Mark Zaid, and Washingtonian magazine recognized him as one of Washington’s top attorneys and one of Washington’s most influential people. Mr. Bakaj holds a bachelor’s degree from The George Washington University and a J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law.
During her career, she has also advocated on behalf of mission-driven organizations and whistleblowers, including an outed CIA agent.
Ms. Seligman is a former whistleblower herself.
Ms. Seligman has been an outspoken advocate for the #MeToo movement and in 2020 presented a TEDxTalk, Why we need to know #HowToMeToo, on strategies for taking the movement forward and empowering victims and survivors in all walks of life. She has served as a Senior Fellow with the Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab, USC Marshall School of Business and is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Support Offerings
This organization offers the following support offerings to (potential) whistleblowers along their journey.
If you are looking for more details on what might be included in each category, scroll further below. If you have questions on their exact offerings, please get in touch with us.
Offerings*
Offered?
Comment
Detail Reference for Support Offerings
For your reference, the following table details what might be included in the above outlined offerings.
They are a general indication for your understanding and not necessarily offered in full by they organization.
If you require more details on a specific organization’s detailed offerings, please get in touch with us.
Service | Sample Details |
Initial Support & Intake | Free initial consultation |
Attorney-client privileged consultation | |
Secure/encrypted communications channels | |
Anonymous reporting option | |
Multi-language support | |
Initial risk assessment | |
Legal Support | Direct legal representation |
Attorney referral network | |
Legal fee coverage/pro bono services | |
Contingency fee arrangements | |
Legal research support | |
Filing assistance with relevant agencies | |
Legal document preparation | |
Representation in retaliation cases | |
Seal/confidentiality protection | |
Immunity negotiation | |
Technical & Evidence Support | Secure document collection methods |
Digital evidence preservation | |
Metadata protection | |
Technical evidence analysis | |
Expert witness coordination | |
Forensic accounting support | |
Legal document preparation | |
Technical validation of claims | |
Data anonymization | |
Security & Protection | Digital security assessment |
Device security measures | |
Online identity protection | |
Counter-surveillance support | |
Physical security assessment | |
Safe housing/relocation assistance | |
Family protection measures | |
Identity change support (extreme cases) | |
Temporary relocation | |
Long-term security planning | |
Financial Support | Living expenses during proceedings |
Career transition assistance | |
Job search support | |
Reward/bounty program guidance | |
Financial planning support | |
Emergency funds | |
Loan arrangements | |
Insurance coverage guidance | |
Fundraising assistance | |
Media & Public Relations | Media strategy development |
Interview coaching | |
Statement preparation | |
Media contact vetting | |
Controlled release coordination | |
Social media management | |
Public narrative development | |
Crisis communications support | |
Platform coordination | |
Psychological & Wellbeing | Individual therapy/counseling |
Support group access | |
Family counseling | |
Stress management training | |
Resilience building | |
Trauma-informed support | |
Health insurance coordination | |
Wellness program access | |
Long-term mental health support | |
Post-Resolution Support | |
Case outcome analysis | |
Policy reform advocacy | |
Ongoing security monitoring | |
Public recognition support | |
Community integration | |
Long-term financial planning | |
Record sealing/expungement |