OpenAI pays $3.2 million in US probe over hiring foreign workers

The US Justice Department announced on Tuesday that OpenAI and its subsidiary Statsig have agreed to pay $3.2 million to settle claims of discrimination against US workers. The allegations state that the companies favored foreign workers in hiring and took steps to discourage US candidates from applying for positions. These actions included requiring paper applications, late-night radio advertising, and neglecting to post openings on external websites.

OpenAI did not respond to requests for comment, but it denied the accusations in the settlement agreement. The Justice Department has settled similar cases involving alleged discrimination against US workers in other tech companies. President Donald Trump has criticized companies for abusing the temporary employment visa system and has sought to limit foreign hiring, including imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stated that the settlement forces OpenAI to rectify its wrongful employment practices and provide US workers with a fair chance at technology positions. The settlement includes $1.2 million in penalties and $2 million in compensation for those harmed by discrimination. Additionally, OpenAI has committed to revising its employment policies, providing training, and subjecting itself to monitoring by the Justice Department.