OpenAI contractors fired for using AI to train ChatGPT under Project Lily
OpenAI's Project Lily employs thousands of contractors through firms like Crossing Hurdles and Mercor to read real ChatGPT conversations and score model responses on a 1–7 scale. Contractors are explicitly forbidden from using any AI tools — including Grammarly, translation software, or detection tools like GPTZero — because training on AI-generated feedback risks model collapse. Internal…
Key points
- Contractors read real ChatGPT chats and score responses under Project Lily; AI tool use is strictly banned to prevent model collapse.
- Multiple contractors report workers fired for using AI; Mercor confirms immediate removal upon detection.
- Class-action lawsuit filed Sept. 16 alleges undisclosed human review of user conversations.
The story so far
3 episodes →- OpenAI contractors fired for using AI to train ChatGPT under Project Lilythis story
Humans Are Reading Your ChatGPT Chats, Lawsuit Claims
openclassactions.com · 24 September 2026
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This text was published by openclassactions.com and written by Steve Levine. It is reproduced here with attribution so you can read it in full; the rights remain with the publisher. Read it at the source ↗
Coverage and discussion
4sources- Hacker News discussion · 74 pointsnews.ycombinator.com
- Hacker News discussion · 41 pointsnews.ycombinator.com
- OpenAI Contractors Fired for Using AI on ChatGPT Training Work, Internal Rules ShowPress · ibtimes.com.au ·
- People Training OpenAI’s AI Fired for Using AI to Train the AIPress · 404media.co ·
- OpenAI Is Firing Contractors for Using AI to Train Its AIPress · gadgetreview.com ·
The headline, key points and digest above were generated by Digest AI's editorial model from the linked sources. Automated summaries can contain errors: the sources are the record. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Published by Martin K., who runs Digest AI and handles corrections.
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