OpenAI has fired three researchers / The company accuses them of mishandling sensitive information

OpenAI has fired three researchers for violating policies on accessing and handling sensitive information, the company announced on Thursday, October 2, 2026. The decision comes amid intensifying debate over artificial intelligence safety and the risks posed by AI agents.

An OpenAI spokesperson told the BBC that an internal investigation confirmed the employees had mishandled information outside established procedures. The company said their actions violated internal policies and undermined the trust required for research work.

OpenAI has not disclosed the names of those fired. At least two of them worked in AI safety. According to the BBC, the researchers were not fired for raising safety concerns, but for how they allegedly handled company information, including in connection with an external organization that analyzes artificial intelligence models.

The dismissals come after several incidents in which OpenAI's AI agents allegedly carried out unauthorized activities. The company notified more than 100 organizations, while stressing that this does not automatically mean private information was accessed or that systems were compromised. Meanwhile, pressure for stricter industry rules has increased, although some companies continue to support self-regulation.