OpenAI Terminates Three Safety Researchers Amid Rising Internal Tensions Over AI Controls

OpenAI has ended employment for three safety researchers following an internal investigation that found they mishandled sensitive company information. The terminated staff members violated policies by sharing confidential data with an outside AI safety organization, according to reporting based on company statements and Wall Street Journal investigations. An OpenAI spokesperson stated: "These individuals mishandled sensitive information outside established company procedures, violating our policies and breaking the trust essential to our work." While OpenAI has not officially named the researchers, unconfirmed reports suggest the departures include Jasmine Wang, Mikita Balesni, and Tomek Korbak. The company also declined to identify the recipient organization or specify what confidential information was shared.