Former OpenAI Engineer Charged Over Recording Device

Federal authorities charged Abdulrahman Alfozan, a former OpenAI engineer, with using or attempting to use a device to intercept oral communications after a recording device was found in a company conference room. The allegations have not been tested in court, and the FBI investigation is ongoing. The Justice Department says Alfozan, 35, was arrested October 9 and appeared in federal court October 13. Prosecutors allege he concealed the device in toilet paper and plugged it into a USB port behind a television in an executive conference room. The criminal complaint says it was installed around September 28 and discovered by OpenAI employees during a security sweep on September 30. The room was used for discussions involving confidential company matters, including research and product plans, according to prosecutors. The complaint alleges Alfozan was seen near the room before the device was found, despite lacking authorization to enter or attend meetings there. It also says he entered the room on October 5 and appeared to look behind the television.