Former OpenAI researchers claim they were fired for prioritising safety over short-term interests

OpenAI researchers say they were fired for prioritising safety

A group of three former OpenAI researchers recently published an open letter stating they were terminated due to safety concerns, not procedural violations. Mihita Balesni posted on X: „I believe we were fired for putting safety first, at the expense of OpenAI’s short-term interests.” She also sent a collective letter to company leadership, joined by colleagues Tomek Korbak and Jasmine Wang.

OpenAI cites mishandling of sensitive information

On 2 October, an OpenAI spokesperson told BBC that „these individuals handled sensitive information outside established company procedures.” In a statement, OpenAI research leaders said the decision to end collaboration was not motivated by expressing safety concerns. „The internal investigation found a significant breach of trust that exceeds what was mentioned in the public letter, and we stand by our decision not to retain these employees.”

Letter claims dismissals created a climate of fear

The joint letter, authored by Balesni, Korbak, and Wang—who until recently worked in safety or alignment departments—argued their firings created a climate of fear, discouraging employees from speaking up or acting in ways previously essential to OpenAI’s work. Alignment refers to integrating human values and principles into AI systems to keep them aligned with what society considers important.

Researchers reiterate safety monitoring concerns

Korbak reposted the letter, adding: „For months, I raised safety concerns, especially that we are losing the ability to monitor what AI agents think—one of our best methods for detecting misaligned behaviour.” „I believe this was the reason for our dismissal.” Wang commented on X: „We are not the first to be let go from OpenAI under suspicious circumstances.” She warned that if employees do not take a clear stand against such practices, the situation may not end here.

OpenAI ends contracts with external safety evaluators

OpenAI announced it is finalising contracts with external safety evaluators and will publish details in the coming weeks. Amid growing debate over AI safety and the potential risks advanced systems pose to society, these dismissals have drawn attention to how technology firms manage ethical concerns.

Broader concerns about AI safety and misuse

Additionally, several reports highlight concerns about minors using ChatGPT, describing an „unacceptable risk” in this context. Experts continue to discuss whether AI could become a threat to humanity and the validity of such fears.

Conclusion

In short, the former researchers claim they were fired for engaging in activities that could promote AI safety, while the company cites a breach of trust and non-compliance with internal procedures. This incident highlights the tension between the drive for rapid innovation and the need to uphold ethical and safety standards in AI development.