OpenAI fires three staff for mishandling 'sensitive' info

OpenAI has terminated three researchers for allegedly mishandling sensitive data and breaching company policies, including collaboration with an external AI evaluation firm, according to the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg. While the identities of the dismissed individuals remain undisclosed, at least two were involved in safety and alignment research, as reported by AFP.

OpenAI announced the dismissals, stating that the firings resulted from employees violating established procedures and betraying the trust necessary for their work. This move comes during a contentious discussion surrounding AI safety and the potential existential threat posed by rapidly advancing technology. In September, three researchers, Jasmine Wang, Tomek Korbak, and Mikita Balesni, had been vocal on social media about their concerns regarding AI safety.

Balesni expressed his belief that there is a 10% chance AI could lead to the extinction of humanity. Korbak and Wang both expressed dissatisfaction with OpenAI's practices and openly criticized the company's direction. In response to these resignations, leading tech companies signed a voluntary pledge to self-regulate safety measures at a White House meeting with President Donald Trump, who emphasized the "morally binding" commitment to establish adequate safeguards for AI development.