Almost half of the security researchers for artificial intelligence at OpenAI have resigned in recent months, according to a former researcher, Daniel Kokotajlo.

What happened: OpenAI, known for its artificial intelligence assistant ChatGPT, has had to let go of a significant portion of its AGI security staff. These include notable figures such as Jan Hendrik Kirchner, Collin Burns, Jeffrey Wuand co-founder John SchulmanFortune reported on Tuesday.

The exodus follows the resignation of the chief scientist in May Ilya Sutskever And Jan Leikewho led the Superalignment team.

Leike announced his resignation from X, citing that safety concerns at the San Francisco-based company had been overshadowed by product development.

Kokotajlo, who left OpenAI in April 2023, attributed the resignations to OpenAI’s increasing preference for commercial products over security research. He also noted a “chilling effect” on those trying to publish research on AGI risks, with the company’s communications and lobbying departments having greater influence.

According to the report, an OpenAI spokesperson said the company remains committed to providing safe AI systems and engaging in serious debates about AI risks.

See also: The arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France triggers reactions from Ethereum inventor Vitalik Buterin and Tron founder Justin Sun

Why it is important: The mass exodus from OpenAI comes amid a broader debate about the safety and regulation of AI. Elon Muskwho co-founded OpenAI in 2015 and left in 2018, recently supported California’s AI safety bill SB 1047. Musk’s support contrasts with OpenAI’s preference for federal regulation over state law.

Adding to the excitement, OpenAI has faced criticism from former employees over its stance on California’s AI regulation law. William Saunders and Kokotajlo wrote to the governor Gavin Newsomand warned of “catastrophic damage to society” if AI models were developed without adequate safety precautions.

In response to the growing exodus, OpenAI Irina Kofmana former Meta Platforms Inc. Leader to drive strategy and focus on security and readiness. Kofman will report directly to the CTO Maria Murati.

Meanwhile, California lawmakers are poised to vote on SB 1047, despite opposition from major tech companies and some Democrats. If passed, the bill will be sent to Governor Newsom, who must sign or veto it by the end of September.

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This story was created with Benzinga Neuro and edited by Kaustubh Bagalkote