OpenAI cites information-handling violations
OpenAICompany spokesperson
OpenAI justifies the dismissals by citing its investigation into information-handling violations.
Responding to
OpenAI says its investigation confirmed that the three employees mishandled sensitive information outside company procedures and violated its policies.
“mishandled sensitive information outside established company procedures, violating our policies”
Reporting
Where this statement fits
Was OpenAI justified in firing three AI safety researchers?
OpenAI says it fired Tomek Korbak, Mikita Balesni and Jasmine Wang for mishandling sensitive information. The researchers dispute that account and say their work followed authorized duties and company norms. Their letter and individual accounts raise questions about the grounds for the dismissals and their effect on outside safety scrutiny.
Source and context
Reporting
About this source
CBS News quotes an OpenAI spokesperson explaining the dismissals as violations of information-handling procedures. The company does not identify the specific information or conduct in that response.
Before the quotation
An OpenAI spokesperson gave this statement to CBS News.
After the quotation
The spokesperson said the investigation found a pattern of misconduct in handling company research.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
The conduct under scrutiny is OpenAI's dismissal of the researchers. The company defends that decision by citing policy violations.
- Recorded on
- Published here
- People and groups discussed
- Tomek Korbak, Mikita Balesni, Jasmine Wang
More from this case
Read the full caseOpenAI says it found "a significant breach of trust" and stands by the dismissals
OpenAI
“Last week we parted ways with Jasmine, Mikita, and Tomek after a thorough investigation found they violated clear policies on handling sensitive information. Our internal investigation uncovered a significant breach of trust beyond what’s outlined in the letter they published and we stand by the decision to not continue their employment.”Read statement
Binder says the firings undermine confidence in transparency
“firing a good fraction of their safety researchers afterwards makes me skeptical they can be trusted to be transparent about risks and incidents”Read statement
Queen defends employer confidentiality rules
“You work for OpenAI. OpenAI decides what confidential information you can share with outside parties.”Read statement
Cite this record
- Publisher
- The Dispute Index
- Title
- OpenAI cites information-handling violations
- First published
- Last updated
- Permalink
- https://disputeindex.com/events/5216-openai-justifies-the-dismissals-by-citing-its-investigation
Last updated marks the most recent saved version of this published statement.
The Dispute Index. "OpenAI cites information-handling violations". First published: 2026-10-08. Last updated: 2026-10-08. https://disputeindex.com/events/5216-openai-justifies-the-dismissals-by-citing-its-investigation