OpenAI parts ways with three safety researchers over information mishandling
Safety-team departures stacking on top of safety controversies make OpenAI's internal governance worth watching.
OpenAI has confirmed it parted ways with three members of its safety team for mishandling sensitive company information, in a story first reported by The Wall Street Journal and relayed by TechCrunch quoting a company spokesperson.
A company spokesperson said an internal investigation confirmed the three took sensitive information outside established procedures; the report did not name the researchers, the outside safety organization, or the information involved. Names circulating on X remain unconfirmed.
The departures came two days after The New York Times reported executives brushing aside safety warnings, and days after OpenAI scrapped the GPT-6.1 Astra launch over safety concerns. In 2024, the company fired two researchers over alleged leaks as well.
Sources:https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/01/openai-cuts-ties-with-three-safety-researchers-wsj-reports