OpenAI eliminates controversial nondisparagement agreement for employees

OpenAI will no longer enforce nondisparagement agreements that prevented former employees from speaking against the company, ensuring they can retain their vested equity, Bloomberg reports.

The decision follows revelations by Vox that employees had to choose between criticizing the company and keeping their earned equity, potentially losing millions if they didn't sign or violated the agreement. CEO Sam Altman expressed embarrassment over the clause, promising changes to company paperwork.

The company has also reached out to current employees to ease concerns about losing shares due to their statements. Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon apologized for causing concern and promised to improve the company's practices.

This development comes amid other controversies for OpenAI, including the disbanding of the team meant to protect humanity from powerful AI systems and accusations from Scarlett Johansson regarding unauthorized use of her voice for ChatGPT's Sky assistant.