OpenAI Parts Ways With Three Safety Researchers Over Sensitive Information

OpenAI has parted ways with three researchers on its safety team after an internal investigation found they mishandled sensitive company information outside established procedures, according to The Wall Street Journal.

OpenAI told the publication that the three individuals violated company policies governing access to and handling of sensitive information. The report did not identify the researchers, the outside AI safety organisation allegedly involved, or the specific information that was shared.

Posts circulating on X have speculated about the identities of people involved, including researchers who previously expressed concerns about AI risk. OpenAI has not confirmed those claims or independently established them in the reporting.

Departures follow scrutiny of OpenAI’s security practices

The departures come shortly after The New York Times reported on employee concerns about OpenAI’s security practices. OpenAI told the Times that it takes security concerns seriously and provides internal channels for employees to report problems, while acknowledging that it needed to move faster in some areas.

It remains unclear whether the three researchers used those internal channels before allegedly sharing information outside the company.

OpenAI has faced similar allegations before

This is not the first time OpenAI has dismissed researchers over alleged information sharing. In 2024, researchers Leopold Aschenbrenner and Pavel Izmailov were fired over alleged leaks, according to The Information.

In the latest case, OpenAI has publicly confirmed only that three employees violated its policies for handling sensitive information. The identities of the researchers, the material involved and the organisation that allegedly received it remain undisclosed.