Fired OpenAI safety researchers deny misconduct, warn of chilling effect
Three recently dismissed OpenAI safety researchers — Jasmine Wang, Tomek Korbak, and Mikita Balesni — published an open letter denying the company’s claims that they mishandled sensitive information and warning that their abrupt firings are chilling internal collaboration and external engagement on AI safety. OpenAI has not formally responded to the letter; TechCrunch shared an internal memo praising their contributions and saying the terminations were not for raising safety concerns, while OpenAI has not clarified which policies were violated.