Google DeepMind employees in London are reportedly asking Google to remove post-employment non-disparagement terms from existing contracts, saying the restrictions could deter public discussion of potential AI harms. A November 4 report by NDTV, citing The Washington Post, described the terms as lasting for life.
What employees want changed
The reported request concerns existing contracts. The employees’ concern, as described in the report, is that the terms could limit what they say publicly about Google and the possible effects of AI. “Non-disparagement” clauses restrict criticism of an employer; the reported terms would continue after employment ended.
The discussion followed former Google DeepMind employee Sofia Liguori’s comments to the BBC about opposing Google’s military AI work. The account says current staff then reviewed their contracts, and dozens discussed the clauses internally. It does not give a precise count of employees covered or seeking changes.
Google’s statements cover new hires and former employees
A Google spokesperson said updated terms for new hires removed the post-employment aspect of non-disparagement clauses. Separately, the report says an unnamed Google executive told employees that the company would not enforce the restriction against former employees.
Those statements concern new-hire terms and enforcement against former employees. The staff request concerns terms in existing contracts.
