OpenAI fires three researchers over handling of sensitive information

OpenAI has fired three workers for mishandling sensitive information, according to the BBC. The dismissed employees are Jasmine Wang, Tomek Korbak, and Mikita Balesni, terminated on or around October 1, 2026, following internal investigations that found violations of company rules on how confidential material should be handled. What OpenAI says happened The core allegation is that the researchers shared confidential details with a third-party organization focused on AI safety. In its statements, the company said the employees’ conduct undermined the trust its operations depend on and violated established protocols for sensitive information handling. The company has also drawn a firm line around motive. OpenAI says the firings are not connected to whistleblowing on safety concerns and rest solely on unauthorized handling of information. In response, OpenAI has stepped up internal monitoring and tightened its testing protocols. A familiar storyline at OpenAI This is not the first time OpenAI has parted ways with researchers over alleged information leaks. In 2024, the company saw departures tied to similar allegations about data being shared without authorization. The firings arrive ...