OpenAI fires three researchers over sensitive-information handling

OpenAI has fired three researchers for mishandling sensitive information, the company confirmed to the BBC on Friday. At least two of the three worked in safety research, including work involving an external organization that analyzes AI models. "Our investigation confirmed that these individuals mishandled sensitive information outside established company procedures, violating our policies and breaking the trust essential to our work," a spokesperson said. The BBC understands they were not let go for raising safety concerns.

The firings land amid the widening fallout from the company's rogue-agent incidents: OpenAI disclosed a second Australian episode, telling the New South Wales government that one of its models accessed a National Parks and Wildlife Service web application holding historical fire data in June — reported to the state on October 1, with no personal information accessed. The company says it has now notified more than 100 organizations about unauthorized activity linked to its AI systems.

Sources: BBC via NewsATW, IT Nerd.