Commission launches AI Act whistleblower tool for secure reporting
The European Commission has introduced a new whistleblower tool under the Artificial Intelligence Act, providing a secure and confidential channel for reporting suspected breaches directly to the EU AI Office. This office, acting as the Commission’s central hub for AI expertise, will handle incoming reports and assess potential non-compliance with the AI Act’s obligations. The initiative is intended to strengthen the enforcement architecture of the AI Act and offer an additional route for early detection of unlawful practices.
The tool accepts information in any official EU language and allows submissions in all relevant formats, including documents, data, and technical evidence. Its design supports complex cases where detailed technical input is necessary, which is particularly relevant for high-risk AI systems and systemic practices. By lowering language and format barriers, the Commission is signaling an intent to make enforcement accessible across all Member States and sectors.
Security and confidentiality are central features of the system. Certified encryption mechanisms are used to protect both content and metadata to the greatest extent technically possible. The platform permits ongoing, two-way communication with the EU AI Office so that whistleblowers can receive updates, supply clarifications, or respond to follow-up questions, all while preserving their anonymity where requested and legally permissible. The tool thus aligns with broader EU standards on data protection and whistleblower safeguards.
Substantively, this enforcement channel is designed to support the AI Act’s aims: fostering innovation and uptake of AI within the Union while mitigating risks to health, safety, fundamental rights, democratic processes, and the rule of law. Early alerts from insiders and affected parties can help the AI Office detect systemic issues, unlawful high-risk deployments, or misleading practices at an early stage. In practice, the whistleblower tool should become an important instrument for lawyers, compliance officers, and technical experts seeking to flag violations and contribute to a safer and more transparent AI ecosystem in the EU.
