Openai Will Pay $1.2 Million in Civil Penalties, With $2 Million Set Aside to Compensate Victims

OpenAI and its subsidiary Statsig will pay $3.2 million to settle Justice Department allegations that they discriminated against U.S. workers by favoring temporary visa holders in hiring. The DOJ announced the settlement Tuesday, saying the companies failed to follow proper recruitment steps under the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) process, including not posting some jobs externally and requiring paper applications. OpenAI will pay $1.2 million in civil penalties, with $2 million set aside to compensate victims.

OpenAI disputed the findings but said it settled to move forward with its PERM program for employees needing immigration support. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon called the settlement substantial, ensuring U.S. workers get fair opportunities. The case involves fewer than 10 positions.