OpenAI doubles down on decision to fire three AI safety researchers

<figure> <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="Image: The Verge" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/STK155_OPEN_AI_CVirginia_C-1.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">OpenAI is standing firm on its decision to fire three safety researchers after an investigation found they committed "a significant breach of trust."</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In a <a href="https://x.com/OpenAINewsroom/status/2108441580806025712">post</a> on X on Friday, the company said Jasmine Wang, Tomek Korbak and Mikita &#8288;Balesni were dismissed for violating "clear policies on handling sensitive information." It insisted the decision was not about the trio speaking out about the company and their concerns about AI safety.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The post is a direct response to an open <a href="https://mikitabalesni.com/letter/letter.pdf">letter</a> the researchers published on Thursday urging OpenAI to be more transparent about the decision. In it and a <a href="https://x.com/j_asminewang/status/2108263312291180680?s=20">series</a> of <a href="https://x.com/tomekkorbak/status/2108266859397283953?s=20">social</a> <a href="https://x.com/balesni/status/2108262814003687745?s=20">media</a> posts, the group said they believ …</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/1008604/openai-defends-decision-fire-safety-researchers">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>