Understand
Fired OpenAI researchers claim dismissals were due to prioritising safety
Overview
Three former OpenAI researchers—Mikita Balesni, Tomek Korbak, and Jasmine Wang—claim they were dismissed because they raised safety concerns rather than for mishandling sensitive information, as alleged by the company. OpenAI maintains that an internal investigation uncovered a significant breach of trust unrelated to speaking out on safety.
Key points
- Three former OpenAI safety and alignment researchers claim they were fired for prioritising safety over corporate interests.
- OpenAI stated that an internal investigation confirmed the individuals mishandled sensitive information outside established procedures.
- OpenAI research leaders denied that the dismissals were related to employees raising safety concerns or speaking out.
- The former employees published an open letter expressing concern that the firings would make staff afraid to speak out.