“It forbids them, for the rest of their lives, from criticizing their former employer. Even acknowledging that the NDA exists is a violation of it.”
Departing OpenAI staff sign a lifetime non-disparagement agreement or risk losing equity they already vested. Daniel Kokotajlo refused and gave up what was likely a huge sum. Jan Leike, co-lead of the safety team, left with a two-word statement: “I resigned.” A company that promises the world a say in AGI holds its alumni’s equity hostage to keep them quiet.