OpenAI contractors fired for using AI to train the AI, 404 Media reports
404 Media · rss · 2026-09-22
404 Media found multiple contractors hired to read real ChatGPT prompts and rate model responses have been fired for using AI themselves — an irony given their job is to add a human touch and prevent model collapse. Internal documents ban reviewers from using AI, Grammarly, AI translation, and even AI-detection tools like GPTZero (deemed unreliable), instructing them to judge overall patterns rather than single clues. Telltale signs include repetitive wording, AI-style punctuation like em dashes, and suspiciously fast work. One contractor showed a termination letter citing work 'authenticity' issues; two sources worked via AI-training firm Mercor, which confirmed violators are removed immediately. A fourth contractor admitted deliberately picking the worst responses to sabotage training. OpenAI declined to comment.
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