OpenAI disbands preparedness team, senior executives exit

OpenAI has disbanded its preparedness team, which was responsible for assessing risks from advanced AI models, the Financial Times reports. The team was dissolved at the end of last month. Responsibilities for biological and cybersecurity risks have been moved to existing teams. Dylan Scandinaro, who joined from Anthropic in February to lead the team, will now focus on 'recursive self-improving' AI.

Several senior employees tied to safety and long-term AI research have left, including ethics lead Chloé Bakalar, Chief Futurist Josh Achiam and safety chief Johannes Heidecke. Former employee Jan Leike told the Financial Times that OpenAI prioritises 'shiny products' over safety. The changes come as the company prepares for a potential major IPO, with Chief Revenue Officer Denise Holland Dresser and former COO Brad Lightcap also recently announcing departures.