Former OpenAI researcher Daniel Kokotajlo walked away from $2 million in equity after resigning to avoid a non-disparagement agreement that would have prohibited him from criticizing the company. His decision, influenced by discussions with his wife, highlighted a growing concern regarding such clauses in tech firms’ exit policies. Following public outcry and feedback from employees, OpenAI revised its exit policies, with CEO Sam Altman admitting that the existence of the clause was “embarrassing.”

OpenAI: OpenAI is an artificial intelligence research and deployment company focused on developing advanced AI systems. The organization was the subject of the news after a former researcher publicly highlighted restrictive exit agreements that limited criticism of the company. OpenAI subsequently reversed its non-disparagement policy amid employee and public pushback.
Sam Altman: Sam Altman is the CEO of OpenAI, responsible for guiding the company’s overall direction in AI development. He responded to the incident by describing the non-disparagement policy as embarrassing once it became public. Altman remains a central figure in discussions of OpenAI’s internal practices and external communications.
Daniel Kokotajlo: Daniel Kokotajlo is a former OpenAI researcher known for work in AI alignment and long-term forecasting. He resigned and declined equity compensation to preserve his ability to speak critically about the company. His case drew attention to OpenAI’s handling of departing employees and prompted internal policy review.

Company Response: OpenAI adjusted its exit policies following employee feedback and public discussion of the matter.
Employee Agreements: Tech firms have faced growing attention over the use of non-disparagement clauses in separation agreements with departing staff.