Daniel Kokotajlo

Former researcher, OpenAI

The former insider making the case that voluntary oversight is not oversight. His argument is that independent researchers should not need a company's goodwill to investigate it.

Based: Berkeley, CA
Company: OpenAI
Known for: Quitting OpenAI in April 2024 over its leadership, then arguing publicly for enforceable outside access to frontier systems.

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Kokotajlo wants AI watchdogs that don't need an invitation

On Joe Rogan's podcast, the former OpenAI researcher challenged voluntary oversight. The independent investigation at the center of his argument produced real findings, with real limits.

September 11, 2026 · 2 min read