OpenAI’s recent launch of the ChatGPT4o model with new voices has been met with controversy as former staffers are reportedly facing pressure to sign NDAs or risk losing millions in vested equity.
Reports suggest that some former OpenAI employees, including the super alignment lead Jan Leike, have left the company due to disagreements over security and prioritization of product development over safety.
Allegations emerged that OpenAI was coercing ex-employees to sign nondisclosure and non-disparagement agreements to prevent criticism, with the threat of losing their vested equity if they refused.
CEO Sam Altman denied any knowledge of such practices initially but new documents reveal he signed off on clawing back equity from departing employees who didn’t sign NDAs.
The revelation has caused internal unrest at OpenAI, prompting the company to rework its departure policies and remove clauses related to equity cancellation and non-disparagement.
Former employees have been given a deadline to sign the NDAs, with warnings that it could impact their equity, despite the company’s promise not to revoke vested shares.
The situation highlights the delicate balance between company policies, employee rights, and the ethical considerations surrounding equity compensation and departure agreements.
Overall, the news sheds light on the challenges faced by tech companies in balancing innovation with employee rights and transparency in their operations.
