OpenAI Fires Three Safety Researchers, Sparking Controversy Over AI Oversight

OpenAI dismissed three members of its safety research team in early October 2026, citing a "breach of trust" related to the handling of confidential information, while the researchers assert they were terminated for raising concerns about AI risks. Jasmine Wang, Tomek Korbak, and Mikita Balesni—all working on AI safety and alignment—were let go after an internal investigation found they violated policies governing sensitive data, allegedly sharing information with METR, an independent AI safety evaluator.