15 Feb 2026
34m

'We don't understand the consequences' -  Why I quit OpenAI - The Sunday Story

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The Story

The podcast explores the growing concerns surrounding AI safety and ethics, highlighted by recent high-profile resignations within the industry. It features Zoe Hitzig, a former research scientist at OpenAI, who discusses her reasons for leaving the company, primarily due to the introduction of advertising and the potential misuse of user data. Hitzig emphasizes the unprecedented access AI chatbots have to private thoughts, contrasting it with social media's focus on user actions. The conversation also covers the potential for job disruption and manipulation and control and surveillance, as well as the need to preserve human agency in the face of technological advancements. Mark Sellman, technology correspondent for The Times, provides context on previous AI whistleblowers and the industry's race to develop AI.

Outlines

Part 1: Industry Alarm, Resignations

Part 2: Data Privacy, Manipulation

Part 3: Regulation, Workforce Impact

Part 4: AI Behavior, Future Outlook

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