OpenAI Reverses Controversial NDA Policy, Releases Former Employees from Restrictions

OpenAI sent an internal memo to former employees, releasing them from controversial non-disparagement agreements that they had to sign in order to keep their vested company equity. The NDAs did not have an expiration date and effectively forced employees to choose between signing them or losing their equity. The new memo stated that OpenAI would not cancel any vested equity units regardless of whether employees signed the NDAs. OpenAI co-founders expressed regret that the language around NDAs and equity is only changing now, and not in line with their values.