OpenAI faced backlash after a controversial decision to require former employees to choose between signing a non-disparagement agreement or retaining their vested equity in the company. The internal memo, viewed by CNBC, informed former employees that they were not required to sign the agreement to keep their vested units of equity with the company. OpenAI backtracked on the decision, stating that they would not enforce any non-disparagement or non-solicitation contract items that employees may have signed.
An OpenAI spokesperson issued an apology, stating that they are making important updates to their departure process. The company emphasized that they will never take away vested equity, even if employees did not sign the departure documents. OpenAI also announced that they would remove non-disparagement clauses from their standard departure paperwork and release former employees from existing non-disparagement obligations unless the provision was mutual.
The news of OpenAI’s reversal on the non-disparagement agreement comes amidst mounting controversies for the company. Last week, OpenAI faced criticism for debuting a range of audio voices for ChatGPT, with one voice named “Sky” drawing comparisons to actress Scarlett Johansson’s voice in the movie “Her.” The Hollywood star accused OpenAI of ripping off her voice, leading the company to pause the use of the voice while they address the concerns.
In addition to the non-disparagement agreement controversy, OpenAI also disbanded its team focused on the long-term risks of artificial intelligence. The team, formed just one year prior, saw both team leaders announcing their departures. OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever and Jan Leike departed from the team, with Leike criticizing the company for prioritizing “shiny products” over safety culture and processes.
The Superalignment team at OpenAI, formed last year, has been working on scientific and technical breakthroughs to steer and control AI systems that are smarter than humans. Despite the recent controversies and changes within the company, OpenAI remains committed to advancing AI technology and allocating resources to initiatives like the Superalignment team.
OpenAI’s decision to reverse the non-disparagement agreement requirement for former employees is a step in the right direction. The company has acknowledged the need to update its departure process and address controversies surrounding its AI technology. As OpenAI navigates through these challenges, it will be vital for the company to prioritize transparency, ethical considerations, and long-term safety in its AI development efforts.
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