Mystery Surrounds OpenAI's San Francisco Office as Undercover Guards Raise Concerns

By Madz Dizon

Jun 10, 2024 10:40 AM EDT

Mystery Surrounds OpenAI's San Francisco Office as Undercover Guards Raise Concerns — Smart phone screen displaying the logo of OpenAI juxtaposed with a screen showing a photo of former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Week in San Francisco, California, on November 16, 2023.
(Photo : OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)

According to locals, there are undercover security guards at OpenAI's office in San Francisco who are not very receptive to inquiries. And employees at nearby businesses are feeling unsettled by the situation.

Undercover Security Guards Spotted Outside OpenAI Office

Photographers from The San Francisco Standard, an online local news outlet, have recently observed individuals who appear to be undercover security guards stationed outside the company's office.

An image of a presumed security guard featured in the publication displays an individual donning a black baseball cap, sunglasses, and a transparent earpiece, Business Insider reported.

Neighboring businesses have faced challenges in obtaining information from these security guards, as per sources.

Candace Combs, owner of In-Symmetry Spa, shared her experience with them, expressing her frustration with their unwillingness to provide information about their affiliation.

Despite her efforts to verify their connection to OpenAI, the guards refused to provide any information.

OpenAI's Secretive Atmosphere Raises Questions

The office has an atmosphere of secrecy, possibly due to the presence of undercover security guards.

Residents of the area have described the atmosphere as "mysterious," with a sense of being closely observed by the security personnel as they walk past the structure.

Although the guards' presence may be considered unconventional, it does not necessarily go against California law.

Unarmed security guards have the option to choose whether or not to wear uniforms or badges, although they are obligated to provide their license information to law enforcement.

However, OpenAI's decision to remain silent on the matter has only intensified speculation and piqued curiosity.

Neighboring businesses have expressed concerns about the lack of transparency, while also acknowledging OpenAI's right to privacy.

According to United Business Journal, James, an employee at Heath Ceramics, observed that although OpenAI may not be causing any major disruptions, their tendency to keep things under wraps is causing some concerns.