Workforce Transparency Act of 2026

The Workforce Transparency Act of 2026 creates a voluntary federal framework for AI system developers and business users to share aggregated, de-identified data about how AI is used in the workplace, and requires the Secretary of Labor to report on that data. The goal is to help policymakers, workers, and educators understand AI's effects on tasks, skills, and productivity without revealing personal information or trade secrets.

Sec. 3, Definitions: Key terms are defined. "Aggregated workforce transparency data" is statistical information that does not identify individuals, employers, or proprietary details. "Covered AI system" excludes systems used only internally by a business, for non-commercial research, or for narrow technical functions. A "participating entity" is a provider or enterprise customer that chooses to submit data.

Sec. 4, Workforce transparency reporting: A participating entity may voluntarily submit aggregated data on how users interact with AI across broad task categories (like writing or coding), by geographic area, by adult age ranges, and over time. Submissions must be for data at least 91 days old, and the first submission can cover the prior two years. No entity is required to participate.

Sec. 5, Privacy, security, and confidentiality safeguards: Participating entities cannot submit personal data, employer-specific performance data, trade secrets, or information they are contractually barred from sharing. They must aggregate and anonymize data per guidance. Submitted data is exempt from Freedom of Information Act requests.

Sec. 6, Reporting and regulations: The Secretary of Labor, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Census Bureau, will run the program. A public online database and an annual report to Congress will be created, without attributing data to any specific entity. Within 180 days, the Secretary must issue guidance on reporting formats and privacy methods, and start rulemaking. A working group will explore how to publish better labor-market data combining age and occupation.

Sec. 7, Prohibition regarding adverse inferences: No federal agency may penalize any AI provider or customer that chooses not to submit data.

Sec. 8, Enforcement: The Secretary can seek a court order against a participating entity that knowingly and willfully misrepresents submitted data.

Sec. 9, Severability: If any part of the Act is found unconstitutional, the rest remains in effect.