Internet users question circumstances surrounding OpenAI whistleblower's death

Suchir Balaji, a former researcher at OpenAI, was found dead in his San Francisco apartment, according to a report by CNBC.

Balaji, 26, had dedicated four years to the artificial intelligence company before resigning earlier this year, citing serious ethical concerns regarding OpenAI’s practices.

The San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that the cause of death has been ruled a suicide. David Serrano Sewell, the executive director of the office, stated, “The manner of death has been determined to be suicide,” and confirmed that Balaji’s next of kin had been notified.

Balaji's death follows a troubling trajectory that began when he publicly raised alarms about OpenAI's alleged violations of US copyright law. His warnings garnered attention in an October article by The New York Times, in which he expressed that the deployment of AI models like ChatGPT could jeopardize the commercial viability of many individuals and organizations if their content was utilized to train these systems.

“If you believe what I believe, you have to just leave the company,” he told the publication.

On November 26, police conducted a welfare check at Balaji's residence on Buchanan Street after being alerted to concerns for his well-being. Upon arrival, officers discovered his body and found “no evidence of foul play” in their preliminary investigation.

OpenAI expressed its condolences following the news of Balaji's death. An official spokesperson stated, “We are devastated to learn of this incredibly sad news today and our hearts go out to Suchir's loved ones during this difficult time.”

 - The Internet is not convinced - 

However, many remain unconvinced by the official ruling of Balaji's death, suggesting that it is suspicious and not merely a coincidence that Balaji died shortly after publicly whistleblowing about OpenAI's practices.

Here are some reactions:

in america, if you report companies breaking the law, they execute you and get away with it

— damnrihanna (@damnrihanna) December 15, 2024

"suicide"

— Angelica Reed (@Angelica_Reed1) December 14, 2024

Amazing how many people become whistleblowers and then suddenly get found dead of apparent suicide.

— AC Tatum (@actatumonline) December 14, 2024

Remember there was never any accountability for Boeing murdering whistleblowers. Now there is OpenAI. This is why I roll my eyes at the folks lecturing that violence is never the answer, because it's always the answer for the powerful.

— Jay (@FerrazzanoJay) December 14, 2024

Similar to Boeings whistleblower here in Charleston South Carolina. Whistleblower found dead just before his testimony. John Barnett, the 62-year-old Boeing whistleblower discovered dead with a gunshot wound in South Carolina Saturday, had previously told a family friend not to…

— Mark Stevenson (World History) (@Xworld_historyX) December 14, 2024

Interesting how both OpenAI and Boeing, companies who produce key technology for the American state department, keep having their whistleblowers found dead in “apparent suicides” right before testifying. Weird! https://t.co/OZHdhT7OLp

— WAP Goblin  (@PuppygirlMao) December 14, 2024

Well, they are in a legal battle over copyright issues, so maybe someone thought this guy was going to Spill the beans.

— Red White & True (@red_white_1776) December 14, 2024

Something’s super fishy here. The tech companies will have a lot to answer as the situation is not straightforward. Too many co incidences.

— Krishna Anand (@KrishnaAnand_) December 14, 2024