The Washington Post reported on November 3, 2026, that workers in Google’s AI division sought release from non-disparagement agreements, which restrict public criticism of an employer, so they could discuss AI risks. The report focused on Google DeepMind staff in the United Kingdom and a contract that appeared to limit what some employees could say after leaving the company.
What workers wanted to change
A contract reviewed by The Washington Post appeared to restrict some British employees from criticizing Google after they left. The fuller account described the restriction as lasting for life. Two current workers told the newspaper that the terms limited public discussion of AI’s potential impacts.
The report described a request to be released from the agreements so employees could speak publicly about those risks. It did not describe a formal open letter or walkout.
How the internal discussion developed
Former Google DeepMind employee Sofia Liguori spoke to the BBC about opposing Google’s military-AI work and disregarding contractual restrictions, according to the report. Her comments preceded current employees checking their own contracts. NeoTeo previously covered the reported departures of Google DeepMind researchers over military AI work.
An anonymous employee described dozens of workers joining an internal messaging discussion about the contract language. Some criticized the clauses. Employees said they wanted to discuss AI’s possible effects publicly because people who build the technology have a role in shaping it and because public discussion can bring potential harms to light. One employee also said the wording could discourage people from speaking, even given Google’s stated position on enforcement.
What Google said about its terms
Google said it had updated terms for new hires to remove the post-employment aspect of non-disparagement clauses. The company also said it does not enforce such clauses after people leave and has internal channels for employees to raise concerns with senior leaders.
Current employees sought changes to existing contracts as well as the new-hire terms Google described.
