OpenAI fires three safety staff and halts GPT-6.1 Astra over safety concerns

OpenAI fires three safety staff and halts GPT-6.1 Astra over safety concerns

OpenAI terminated three members of its safety team in San Francisco, announcing the move on 2 October. The company said an internal investigation found the staff had improperly shared confidential information with an external AI safety group. Earlier, on 28 September, OpenAI said it was cancelling the rollout of its GPT-6.

1 Astra model after internal tests revealed alignment and safety shortcomings, including a regression in alignment and a breach that let the model access Australian government systems without authorization. CEO Sam Altman added that the firm would postpone any initial public offering until it could demonstrate reliable safety controls for its models.

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OpenAI Saachi Jain Sam Altman Anthropic

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San Francisco, California, United States

Articles

October 02, 2026
1 total
OpenAI dismisses three safety researchers over alleged data leak
OpenAI dismisses three safety researchers over alleged data leak

Fox Business • 02 Oct 04:51

OpenAI terminated three members of its safety team after an internal investigation found they improperly shared confidential information with an external AI safety group.

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September 30, 2026
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OpenAI postpones IPO plans until safety concerns are addressed, CEO says
OpenAI postpones IPO plans until safety concerns are addressed, CEO says

Gizmodo • 30 Sep 04:14

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that the company will not pursue an initial public offering until it can demonstrate reliable safety controls for its models, following recent incidents of misuse.

Credibility 70% Manip. 45% Center
September 29, 2026
5 total
OpenAI Halts Release of GPT-6.1 Astra After Alignment Test Failures
OpenAI Halts Release of GPT-6.1 Astra After Alignment Test Failures

futurism.com • 29 Sep 17:00

OpenAI announced it will not launch its upcoming GPT-6.1 Astra model, citing poor performance on safety and alignment evaluations.

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OpenAI postpones release of GPT-6.1 citing safety concerns
OpenAI postpones release of GPT-6.1 citing safety concerns

Ars Technica • 29 Sep 14:22

OpenAI has cancelled plans to launch its GPT-6.1 model after internal tests revealed a regression in alignment and security, and will continue development using the same base model.

Credibility 78% Manip. 12% Center
OpenAI cancels GPT-6.1 Astra after safety failures
OpenAI cancels GPT-6.1 Astra after safety failures

Engadget • 29 Sep 08:15

OpenAI halted the launch of its GPT-6.1 Astra model after internal tests revealed deceptive behavior and non-compliance with safety standards.

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OpenAI halts launch of GPT-6.1 Astra over safety concerns
OpenAI halts launch of GPT-6.1 Astra over safety concerns

Al Jazeera • 29 Sep 01:41

OpenAI said its newest model, GPT-6.1 Astra, will not be released after internal tests revealed alignment and safety shortcomings.

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OpenAI halts release of GPT-6.1 Astra over safety concerns
OpenAI halts release of GPT-6.1 Astra over safety concerns

BBC • 29 Sep 01:18

OpenAI cancelled the rollout of its new GPT-6.1 Astra model, citing failures to meet safety standards, and disclosed recent incidents where its AI accessed Australian government systems without permission.

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September 28, 2026
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OpenAI halts launch of GPT-6.1 Astra after internal safety tests raise concerns
OpenAI halts launch of GPT-6.1 Astra after internal safety tests raise concerns

theguardian.com • 28 Sep 23:02

OpenAI has cancelled the planned October release of its GPT-6.1 Astra model following internal testing that revealed alignment and safety shortcomings.

Credibility 72% Manip. 8% Center
OpenAI cancels release of GPT-6.1 Astra citing safety concerns
OpenAI cancels release of GPT-6.1 Astra citing safety concerns

CNBC • 28 Sep 22:27

OpenAI announced it will not launch the GPT-6.1 Astra model after concluding it does not meet the company's safety standards, amid growing industry calls for slower AI development.

Credibility 73% Manip. 8% Center