Sam Altman claims ChatGPT's adult mode will 'be able to safely relax the restrictions' of the chatbot, but firing a critic of the plan is a reason to be wary

OpenAI is about to give ChatGPT an adults-only option. At almost the same moment, the company has parted ways in disputed fashion with one of the executives responsible for deciding how far the system should be allowed to go, as first reported by The Wall Street Journal. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's promise of a responsible, safe adult mode for ChatGPT is now at risk of looking hollow.

Ryan Beiermeister led product policy at OpenAI, shaping the rules and enforcement mechanisms governing ChatGPT’s behavior, at least until last month. The timing is notable as WSJ says it happened soon after she raised concerns about the adult mode plans.

OpenAI says her departure was unrelated to any objections she voiced and instead tied to an allegation of discrimination that she strongly denies. She has called the claim “absolutely false,” and the timing is difficult to ignore.