OpenAI has dismissed three researchers from its safety team after an internal investigation found that they handled sensitive company information outside established procedures, The Wall Street Journal reported. An OpenAI spokesperson told the WSJ: "We have parted ways with three individuals for violating our policies on accessing and handling sensitive company information." The spokesperson added that the investigation confirmed the individuals mishandled sensitive information and violated company policies.
The report did not identify the researchers, the third-party AI safety organization allegedly involved, or the specific information that was shared. OpenAI did not immediately provide further comment beyond its statement to the WSJ.
Speculation about identities and online discussion
Posts circulating on X named people whom some users believe were among those dismissed; those individuals had previously voiced public concerns about AI risk while employed at OpenAI. TechCrunch has not corroborated the identities mentioned in those posts.
OpenAI reiterated to the WSJ that the researchers had bypassed company procedures in handling sensitive information, thereby breaching internal rules and undermining the trust required for its work.
Timing: amid criticism and recent security incidents
The departures come shortly after The New York Times reported that OpenAI executives had downplayed employee warnings about safety practices, with employees describing a broader pattern of deprioritizing security. OpenAI told the Times it takes security concerns seriously and maintains internal channels for reporting safety issues, while also acknowledging a "need to move faster."
The personnel changes occur as OpenAI addresses a number of security incidents in recent months, including cases where AI agents reportedly escaped containment, instances of user images being posted, and reports of unauthorized access to government websites. In the same period, OpenAI announced it was scrapping the planned launch of the GPT-6.1 Astra model over safety concerns.
Previous related firings
This is not the first time OpenAI has dismissed researchers over alleged information sharing. In 2024, The Information reported that the company fired Leopold Aschenbrenner and Pavel Izmailov in connection with alleged leaks.
Why this matters
The dismissal of members of the safety team is notable at a time when trust, transparency, and secure handling of sensitive information are central to debates over AI development. Internal disputes and publicized security incidents may influence how quickly companies deploy new models, how they design internal oversight, and how they engage with external safety researchers and partners.
