OpenAI fires three safety researchers following sensitive information policy dispute

OpenAI dismissed three safety researchers on October 9, 2026, after an internal investigation concluded they violated policies regarding sensitive information, SecurityWeek and Benzinga reported. SecurityWeek identified the three employees as Tomek Korbak, Jasmine Wang, and Mikita Balesni. OpenAI stated in a post on X that it parted ways with the staff members due to a breach of trust, according to SecurityWeek. [1][6]

The terminations followed a dispute in which the three researchers accused OpenAI of prioritizing corporate interests over artificial intelligence safety, SecurityWeek and NDTV Profit reported. The trio had posted a letter directed to the various safety oversight bodies at OpenAI prior to their dismissal, according to SecurityWeek. [1][3]

ABC News, CT Insider, and Pluang also reported that the firings stemmed from an ongoing dispute over AI risks. OpenAI defended the dismissals by stating that the researchers committed a breach of trust by violating clear policies on handling sensitive information, SecurityWeek reported. [1][2][4][5]

Safety disputes have previously disrupted leadership at the company. In November 2023, OpenAI's board briefly ousted chief executive Sam Altman over concerns regarding his handling of artificial intelligence safety and commercialization before reinstating him days later. [8]