Three fired OpenAI researchers warn of a chilling effect in open letter

Three former OpenAI researchers fired last week published an open letter titled 'OpenAI cannot ensure AI safety alone.' They said working with outside groups on safety is a key part of OpenAI's work culture.

They worry the sudden firings will scare other employees into staying quiet and hurt the company's open culture. They asked OpenAI to allow third-party safety auditors, keep a close watch on its AI models, and support open communication with outside safety groups.

OpenAI said an internal review found the three broke rules on handling sensitive information. The researchers said they were only told the reason verbally, and what they did was part of their jobs.

An OpenAI research leader voiced strong support for the three suggestions in an internal memo, saying the firings had nothing to do with raising safety concerns or speaking out.