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

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

Author: The Times February 15, 2026 Duration: 34:33

AI researcher Zoe Hitzig quit her job at OpenAI this week over “deep reservations” about the company’s strategy, including their decision to pilot running ads on ChatGPT. In a rare interview, she gives her reasons for leaving the industry - a world with access to "an unprecedented archive of human candour". Meanwhile, another AI researcher, this time at Anthropic, also quit with a the stark warning that "the world is in peril". They just the latest in a series of high profile resignations. So what's going on - and what are the big fears for a world increasingly dominated by AI?




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Guests:

  • Zoe Hitzig, former AI researcher at OpenAI.
  • Mark Sellman,Technology Correspondent for the Times.


Host: Manveen Rana. 

Producer: Dave Creasey.

We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com

Read more: ‘The world is in peril’: AI researchers quit with public warnings

Photo: Getty Images.

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Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
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