OpenAI Tackles Staff Concerns on Non-Disparagement Contracts

OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman, along with several other executives, recently tackled questions regarding a non-disparagement contract for departing employees in a company meeting. This session, held on Wednesday, emerged in the midst of a series of controversies swirling around the startup in recent weeks. The company found itself apologizing for sections of a contract. These sections tied outgoing employees’ equity to an agreement not to disparage OpenAI.

Policy Revisions and Apologies

In response to the backlash, OpenAI swiftly took action. On Thursday, according to Barron’s report, it confirmed the removal of the controversial wording from its standard exit contract and announced the liberation of the majority of former employees from non-disparagement agreements. Altman took to Platform X on Saturday to issue a public apology for the policy. He admitted it was one of the few instances he felt “genuinely embarrassed” while at the helm of OpenAI.

Leadership Addressing Concerns

During the Wednesday meeting, a regular fixture in the company’s calendar where leadership engages with staff, Altman fielded questions. He was accompanied by Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon and Chief Operating Officer Brad Lightcap. These questions surrounded the non-disparagement agreements. Insights from a source familiar with the matter shed light on the internal discourse. This emphasized the significance of transparent communication within the organization.

OpenAI’s Journey to Prominence and Valuation

OpenAI gained widespread recognition in 2022 with the launch of its ChatGPT chatbot. Supported by a substantial investment from Microsoft Corp. amounting to $13 billion, the startup has integrated its technology into various software products. This positioning places it in competition against tech giants like Alphabet Inc.’s Google. OpenAI’s valuation soared to $86 billion in February, following a deal allowing its employees to divest their stakes in the company.

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Navigating Allegations of Voice Misuse

Amidst the conversation surrounding internal policies, OpenAI’s Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati briefly delved into the controversy involving allegations made by Scarlett Johansson. The actress accused the company of utilizing a voice “eerily similar” to hers in its AI voice assistant tool. She declined an offer from Altman to participate in the project. Murati provided insights into the company’s hiring practices for voice actors. She also discussed the voice selection process, emphasizing transparency in addressing the issue.

Resurfacing of Internal Turmoil

Despite a period of relative calm following internal conflicts in November, OpenAI found itself back in the spotlight this month. The resignation of Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever, alongside researcher Jan Leike, reignited concerns about the company’s commitment to studying the long-term risks of AI. Leike’s public expression of concerns highlighted the dissolution of the safety team they were part of. This signaled ongoing internal shifts within the organization.

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