Category: DOJ Updates
Attorney General Issues Memorandum on Ending ‘Illegal’ DEI and DEIA Policies – Now What?
On February 5, 2025, US Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a memorandum titled Ending Illegal DEI and DEIA Discrimination and Preferences (memo or directive). The memo came down as part of Bondi’s[KZ1] 14 “first-day” directives – one of two directives that expressly address diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEI or […]
Whistleblower Essentials for US Companies
Companies now face an increasingly complicated and evolving landscape of programs announced by prosecutors and regulators that give individuals a financial incentive to report corporate misconduct. In the last year, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) has established several such programs, which complement existing initiatives from the US Securities and […]
Federal Law Enforcement Recommends Encrypted and Ephemeral Messaging
In light of recent reports of cyberattacks on telecommunications companies, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a series of reports and statements recommending secure communications, including using end-to-end encryption. At the same time, US regulators – including the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities […]
DOJ Focuses on AI, Emerging Tech in Newly Issued Guidance Updates for Evaluating Corporate Compliance Programs
On September 23, 2024, the Criminal Division of the US Department of Justice (DOJ) issued an updated Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs (ECCP). The updated ECCP emphasizes that companies should address risks associated with new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI). The updated ECCP also highlights the importance of incentivizing […]
EDNY Launches New Whistleblower Non-Prosecution Pilot Program
On September 17, 2024, the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY) announced a new pilot program that offers non-prosecution agreements (typically referred to as NPAs) to individuals who voluntarily disclose information about certain corporate crimes to EDNY. Officials explained that the program, which took immediate […]
DOJ Launches New Incentive Program for Corporate Whistleblowers
The US Department of Justice has officially launched its whistleblower rewards pilot program, which offers financial incentives to individuals who report corporate misconduct to the DOJ and meet certain criteria. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Argentieri has made clear that the DOJ is attempting to break down barriers between whistleblowers […]
The Prisoner’s Dilemma Comes for Corporate Crime
As part of its continued effort to incentivize the voluntary self-disclosure of corporate crime, the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a pilot program in mid-April 2024 that will offer non-prosecution agreements (NPAs) to individuals who voluntarily self-disclose information about certain corporate crimes. This program, along with […]
Addressing Workplace Complaints: A Critical Step in Light of Whistleblower Incentives
Prosecutors and regulators have recently offered significant financial rewards to whistleblowers to come forward in an effort to spur corporate enforcement. But whistleblowers aren’t made overnight – many times they are persuaded to act by the perception that management is ignoring their complaints. In light of increased efforts by prosecutors […]
Ephemeral Messaging Isn’t a Fleeting Interest for Regulators
It has been one year since the Department of Justice announced updated guidance on use of ephemeral messaging platforms for corporate communications. Since then, the DOJ and other regulators continue to sound alarms about these tools, which automatically erase conversations between parties. Their stance is clear: Companies with strong policies will be […]
DOJ to Launch New Whistleblower Rewards Program
On March 7, 2024, US Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco announced a new program that will financially reward whistleblowers who notify the Department of Justice (DOJ) of “significant” corporate misconduct. This announcement served as the kickoff of a 90-day “sprint” to develop a pilot program. The formal program launch will […]