OpenAI whistleblowers ask SEC to investigate the company's non-disclosure agreements with employees

Open AI:  OpenAI whistleblowers have filed a complaint with Securities and Exchange Commission and asked agency to investigate wher ChatGPT maker illegally restricted workers from speaking out about risks of its artificial intelligence technology.

A letter to SEC Chair Gary Gensler representing “one or more anonymous and confidential” whistleblowers asks agency to swiftly and aggressively enforce its rules against non-disclosure agreements that discourage employees or investors from raising concerns with regulators.

July 1 letter references a formal whistleblower complaint recently filed with SEC. Washington Post was first to report on letter.

US Sen. Chuck Grassley's office shared a copy of letter with Associated Press, noting it was provided to his office by legally protected whistleblowers.

“OpenAI's policies and practices appear to cast a chilling effect on whistleblowers' right to speak up and receive due compensation for ir protected disclosures,” said Grassley, an Iowa Republican, in a written statement. "For federal government to stay one step ahe of artificial intelligence, OpenAI's nondisclosure agreements must change.” OpenAI said in a statement that its policies protect employees' rights to make protected disclosures. company also noted that it's alrey me changes to remove “nondisparagement terms” that could punish departing employees if y criticize company after y leave.

SEC didn't respond to a request for comment Monday and doesn't typically comment on wher or not it is opening an investigation.