OpenAI fires 3 researchers as AI safety concerns intensify across tech industry

Three researchers at OpenAI have been fired following an internal investigation into alleged mishandling of sensitive information and breaches of company policy. The identities of the researchers, Jasmine Wang, Tomek Korbak, and Mikita Balesni, were not publicly disclosed by OpenAI. The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg reported that two of the researchers worked on AI safety and alignment, which involves ensuring that advanced AI systems behave safely and follow human instructions.

OpenAI stated that the investigation confirmed the researchers had violated policies and broken trust, but did not specify the details of the mishandled information. The dismissals come amid growing concerns about AI safety across the tech industry. Recently, several high-profile researchers have resigned from major AI companies, expressing worries about the risks of developing increasingly powerful AI systems.

The firings coincide with President Trump's announcement of a voluntary safety pledge from major US tech companies, including Nvidia, Google, Meta, xAI, OpenAI, and Anthropic. The pledge aims to ensure adequate safeguards are developed as AI technology advances.