OpenAI Internal Turmoil: Deciphering the 'Gag Order' and CEO Response
OpenAI Non-disclosure Agreement
Since Ilya and Super Alignment leader Jan left, OpenAI has been unsettled inside. More people are leaving, and conflicts are increasing.
Yesterday, the focus turned to a controversial “gag order” contract.
Ex-OpenAI worker Kelsey Piper disclosed that all new employees must sign a document. It says, “You have to sign a resignation paper with a ‘general release’ within sixty days of quitting. If not, you lose your stock benefits.”
The controversial screenshot of a document caused a swift response from the OpenAI CEO:
“We have never taken away anyone’s vested equity. We will not do that even if people do not sign a separation agreement or a non-disparagement agreement. Vested equity is vested equity.”
Regarding how OpenAI handles equity, here are some other responses from Sam Altman:
After 15 minutes, the informant asked again: Now that you know, will the old employee’s rules be stopped?
Most people want a clear solution rather than just an apology.