Observed Signal · Feb 17, 2026 · Departure · Source: Trending Topics · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Negative
AI Safety Researchers Quit Top Firms with Dire Warnings
Two prominent AI safety researchers have resigned from leading AI labs with stark warnings. Mrinank Sharma left Anthropic, where he led a team focused on AI safeguards including research into AI-assisted bioterrorism. In a resignation letter posted on X, he warned that "the world is in danger" and said he plans to return to Britain and study poetry. Zoe Hitzig, a researcher at OpenAI, also stepped down, partly due to concerns about the introduction of advertising in ChatGPT. She told the BBC she feels nervous working in the AI industry and warned about the psychosocial effects and dependency risks of AI tools. The departures highlight internal unease about the direction of AI, even at companies that publicly emphasize safety. Anthropic, founded by former OpenAI employees, settled a $1.5 billion class action lawsuit with authors in 2025.
High-profile resignations at Anthropic and OpenAI underscore internal ethical concerns about AI safety and monetization, including advertising in ChatGPT, which could shape regulation and adoption of AI-based advertising.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Mrinank Sharma resigned from Anthropic, warning that 'the world is in danger'.
- Zoe Hitzig resigned from OpenAI, partly citing concerns about advertising in ChatGPT.
- Sharma led an Anthropic team researching AI-assisted bioterrorism and AI's impact on human behavior.
- Hitzig told the BBC she feels nervous working in the AI industry due to psychosocial concerns.
- Anthropic settled a $1.5 billion class action lawsuit brought by authors in 2025.
Connected Companies & Entities
3 Entities mapped“Mrinank Sharma left his job as AI safety researcher at Anthropic, a public benefit corporation founded in 2021 by former OpenAI employees....”
“Zoe Hitzig, a researcher at OpenAI, resigned partly due to concerns about advertising in ChatGPT....”
“The BBC reported the resignations of Mrinank Sharma and Zoe Hitzig....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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