Researchers at Google’s DeepMind AI division are protesting employment contracts with lifetime non-disparagement clauses, saying the terms could prevent them from warning the public about AI risks. The internal push for change gained momentum after a former employee spoke out about Google’s military AI contracts.
Some contracts, particularly those for UK-based staff, reportedly prohibit criticism of the company for life, including after employment ends. Dozens of employees have raised concerns internally and asserted their right to speak about the risks of the technology they are developing.
Google has reportedly told staff it will not enforce the post-employment restrictions and has updated agreements for new hires. Some current employees are still seeking removal of the clauses from their existing contracts to ensure legal certainty.