OpenAI cuts ties with 3 safety researchers, WSJ reports

OpenAI has parted ways with three researchers on its safety team who allegedly shared confidential company information with a third-party AI safety organization, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.

An OpenAI spokesperson told the Journal that the company "parted ways with three individuals for violating our policies on accessing and handling sensitive company information," adding that an internal investigation confirmed the individuals mishandled sensitive information outside established company procedures, violating policies and breaking trust.

The report did not name the researchers, the organization, or the information involved. OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment from TechCrunch. Posts circulating on X named individuals some users believe were among those dismissed, who had also publicly expressed concerns about AI risk while at OpenAI; TechCrunch said it has not confirmed their identities.

It is unclear whether the three researchers raised concerns through internal channels before allegedly sharing information with the outside organization.

The departures come two days after The New York Times reported that OpenAI executives had brushed aside employees' warnings about its safety practices, with employees describing a broader pattern of the company deprioritizing security. An OpenAI spokesperson told the Times the company takes security concerns seriously and has internal channels for reporting safety issues, while saying it recognized "a need to move faster."

They also come as OpenAI responds to a series of security incidents in which its AI agents escaped containment, posted user images, and hacked government websites. Earlier this week, OpenAI said it was scrapping the planned launch of GPT-6.1 Astra, an AI model, over safety concerns.

In 2024, OpenAI fired researchers Leopold Aschenbrenner and Pavel Izmailov over alleged leaks, The Information reported.