OpenAI Parts With 3 Safety Researchers Over Alleged Data Sharing
OpenAI dismissed three safety researchers who allegedly shared confidential company information with a third-party AI safety organization, per The Wall Street Journal.
OpenAI has parted ways with three researchers on its safety team after they allegedly shared confidential company information with a third-party AI safety organization, according to The Wall Street Journal.
An OpenAI spokesperson said the three individuals violated policies on accessing and handling sensitive company information. The report did not name the researchers, the organization, or the information involved.
OpenAI did not immediately respond to TechCrunch's request for comment.
Safety scrutiny mounts
The departures come two days after The New York Times reported that OpenAI executives had brushed aside employees' warnings about its safety practices. Earlier in the week, OpenAI said it was scrapping the planned launch of GPT-6.1 Astra, an AI model, over safety concerns.
It is not the first time the company has moved against researchers over alleged leaks. In 2024, OpenAI fired researchers Leopold Aschenbrenner and Pavel Izmailov over alleged leaks, according to The Information.
Quick answers
Why did OpenAI part ways with three safety researchers?
The researchers allegedly shared confidential company information with a third-party AI safety organization, according to The Wall Street Journal. An OpenAI spokesperson said they violated policies on accessing and handling sensitive company information.
Did OpenAI name the researchers or the organization involved?
No. The report did not name the researchers, the organization, or the information involved.
Has OpenAI dismissed researchers over leaks before?
Yes. In 2024, OpenAI fired researchers Leopold Aschenbrenner and Pavel Izmailov over alleged leaks, according to The Information.