ChatGPT boss: Many companies use AI as an excuse to fire people

At the AI ​​Impact Summit 2026 taking place in India this week, Sam Altman mentioned the concept of “AI washing”. The term refers to businesses using the excuse of optimizing operations using artificial intelligence to carry out layoffs, when in fact they had planned in advance for other economic reasons.

“I don’t know the exact percentage, but there is a situation of AI washing. People blame AI for layoffs that they would have done without it,” ChatGPT boss said.

Altman’s comments are similar to reports from the Yale Budget Lab. Based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, this organization found that there have been no significant changes in career transition rates or average unemployment duration since ChatGPT launched in late 2022 to late 2025.

Another survey from the US National Bureau of Economic Research of business leaders also showed surprising results, when 80% of surveyed directors said AI has not had a real impact on labor productivity or the number of employees at their units. This is contrary to warnings from some technology leaders that AI will replace office jobs within the next 18 months.

In January, research firm Forrester also said that businesses previously gave many reasons when firing employees, such as not meeting financial goals, overhiring, tariff issues, or suddenly losing a large customer. However, recent statistics show that AI is becoming a “trendy and safe” reason to blame.

“Many companies announce AI-related layoffs, but they do not have AI applications that are mature enough, proven and ready to replace the fired positions,” commented Forrester. “This is a sign of ‘AI whitewashing’, which is a plan to cut staff for financial benefits attributed to AI deployment.”

Despite pointing out the tricks of businesses, Sam Altman does not deny the ability of AI to change the landscape. He warns that real work disruption caused by AI will begin to appear and be more evident in the next few years. However, he also expressed optimism: “We will find new types of jobs, like every previous technological revolution.”

The year 2025 will see a huge influx of venture capital capital of more than 258 million USD into the global AI field. Experts say that the pressure to prove effectiveness from this investment is causing businesses to face a difficult problem: either really improve processes with AI, or continue to use it as an excuse to cut personnel costs.