OpenAI denies firing researchers over AI safety warnings

OpenAI refuted allegations that it had fired three former researchers for raising safety concerns about artificial intelligence. The company stated that an internal investigation revealed a breach of trust beyond what was disclosed, and affirmed that their decision to terminate the researchers was not motivated by safety issues.

OpenAI emphasized that it does not fire employees for speaking out. The researchers, Mikita Balesni, Tomek Korbak, and Jasmine Wang, accused the company of prioritizing corporate interests over safety, and expressed concern that their dismissals would chill OpenAI's open culture. Balesni wrote on X that the firings were due to their focus on safety over short-term corporate interests.

The researchers also called on OpenAI to keep its promise of permanently hosting independent auditors, fearing their dismissals could lead to the end of this work. OpenAI acknowledged the researchers' contributions and expressed sadness over the outcome, praising their willingness to speak up and challenge ideas.