OpenAI illegally barred staff from airing safety risks, whistleblowers say
What allegations did OpenAI whistleblowers make to the SEC?
OpenAI whistleblowers filed a complaint with the SEC, alleging that the company illegally prohibited employees from warning regulators about potential risks its AI technology may pose to humanity2. They claimed OpenAI made staff sign agreements that required them to waive their federal rights to whistleblower compensation and get prior consent from the company for disclosing information to federal authorities.
How did OpenAI's employee agreements restrict whistleblowers?
OpenAI's employee agreements restricted whistleblowers by requiring them to waive their federal rights to whistleblower compensation and get prior consent from the company if they wished to disclose information to federal authorities. Additionally, the agreements did not create exemptions for disclosing securities violations to the SEC, violating federal laws meant to protect whistleblowers.
What federal laws do the agreements allegedly violate?
The agreements allegedly violate long-standing federal laws and regulations meant to protect whistleblowers who wish to reveal damning information about their company anonymously and without fear of retaliation. These laws aim to ensure that employees can report potential violations to federal authorities, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, without facing criminal prosecution or other severe sanctions.