OpenAI lifts no-criticism clause for former employees

Recently, OpenAI reversed a controversial decision that forced former employees to choose between signing a permanent slander agreement or retaining their shares in the company.

According to an internal newsletter seen by Techlade, OpenAI has sent notices to former and current employees.

The notice said some former employees may have been required to sign a collective settlement agreement that included a non-defamation clause in order to retain shares. However, regardless of whether the former employee signs that agreement or not, OpenAI insists it will not cancel any vested shares.

OpenAI also said it will not enforce any other non-slander or solicitation clauses it may have previously signed.

An OpenAI spokesperson admitted the policy change was overdue and did not reflect the company’s values.

Previously, Bloomberg reported on OpenAI removing the clause that prohibits defamation of former employees. Vox also previously reported on the existence of this clause in the agreement.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-05-24/openai-releases-former-staffers-from-nondisparagement-clauses

News of OpenAI’s policy reversal comes as the company has been facing many controversies recently.

Early last week, OpenAI removed a voice named “Sky” from its ChatGPT product after it was said to imitate the voice of actress Scarlett Johansson.

OpenAI also disbanded its research group on the long-term risks of artificial intelligence (AI) just a year after forming the group. Some team members were transferred to other teams within the company.

This news comes after two of the team’s leaders, OpenAI co-founders Ilya Sutskever and Jan Leike, announced their departure. Leike believes that OpenAI’s “safety culture and processes” have taken a backseat to flashy products.

According to OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman, this organization has played an important role in raising public awareness about the potential impacts, both positive and negative, of advanced artificial intelligence. (AGI). Thanks to OpenAI’s efforts, the world is now better equipped to prepare for the future development and application of AGI.