OpenAI parts ways with 3 safety researchers over alleged confidential info sharing

OpenAI has parted ways with three researchers on its safety team over alleged improper handling of confidential information, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday. An OpenAI spokesperson said the individuals violated the company's policies on accessing and handling sensitive information, and an internal investigation confirmed they mishandled such information outside established procedures, breaching policies and breaking the trust essential to the work.

The report did not identify the researchers, the third-party AI safety organization that allegedly received the information, or the specific details involved. OpenAI did not immediately respond to further requests for comment. Posts circulating on X named individuals some users believe were among those dismissed, who had previously expressed concerns about AI risk while at OpenAI, though their identities have not been confirmed.

The departures come amid heightened scrutiny of OpenAI's safety practices. A New York Times report earlier this week said OpenAI executives had brushed aside employee warnings about safety, with employees describing a broader pattern of deprioritizing security. OpenAI has also faced a series of security incidents involving its AI agents, and earlier this week the company scrapped the planned launch of GPT-6.1 Astra over safety concerns. This is not the first time OpenAI has dismissed researchers over alleged information sharing; in 2024, it fired two researchers over alleged leaks.