OpenAI and Subsidiary Pay $3.2M to Settle US Discrimination Claims

OpenAI and its subsidiary Statsig have agreed to pay $3.2 million to settle claims brought by the U.S. Department of Justice that the companies favored foreign workers holding temporary employment visas over U.S. applicants. In a release issued Tuesday, the Justice Department said the firms recruited foreign talent for a number of open positions and implemented measures that discouraged American job seekers from applying.

Statsig, which develops product‑development software, was cited as a key player in the alleged hiring practices. The DOJ’s complaint alleges that the companies used targeted advertising, job postings, and internal policies that effectively limited U.S. applicants’ visibility and consideration for available roles. The settlement resolves the accusations of discrimination and ends the federal investigation.

The payment represents the first major resolution in a broader effort by the Justice Department to address potential violations of U.S. labor and anti‑discrimination laws. While the settlement does not admit wrongdoing, it underscores the scrutiny companies face over hiring practices that may disadvantage domestic workers.