# OpenAI suspects three ex-researchers leaked internal model designs to Ryan Greenblatt

Digest AI · Research · published 2026-10-23T02:50:50Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/openai-suspects-three-ex-researchers-leaked-internal-model-designs-to

## Summary

The Wall Street Journal reported that OpenAI suspects three safety researchers it recently dismissed of leaking internal model designs to AI‑safety researcher Ryan Greenblatt.  According to the report, the alleged leaks were shared through disappearing Signal chats, a messaging platform that deletes messages after they are read.  OpenAI said the three employees were fired for mishandling sensitive information and had been fighting to keep the workings of the designs private, but the company has not confirmed that any material was actually transmitted.

OpenAI has not disclosed the specific designs or the potential impact of the alleged leak.  The company’s statement emphasizes that the investigation is ongoing and that no legal action has been announced.  Greenblatt has not commented on the accusations, and the researchers have not responded publicly.  The incident highlights the challenges large AI labs face in protecting proprietary research while collaborating with external safety experts.

## Key points

- OpenAI suspects three former safety researchers leaked internal model designs to Ryan Greenblatt.
- The alleged leaks were shared via disappearing Signal chats.
- The researchers were fired for mishandling sensitive information, according to the WSJ.

## Why it matters

A potential leak of proprietary model designs could undermine OpenAI’s competitive edge and raise broader AI safety and security concerns.

## Sources

1. [OpenAI suspected the three fired researchers of leaking internal model designs to AI safety researcher Ryan Greenblatt, including via disappearing Signal chats](https://wsj.com/tech/ai/the-signal-chats-that-cost-openai-researchers-their-jobs-594c5853) (wsj.com, 2026-10-23)

## Cite

Digest AI, "OpenAI suspects three ex-researchers leaked internal model designs to Ryan Greenblatt", 23 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/openai-suspects-three-ex-researchers-leaked-internal-model-designs-to

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