Employment contracts prevent Google staff from warning public about AI risks
Published: 03/11/2026
| The Washington Post
Employees at Alphabet's artificial intelligence (AI) division in London, Google DeepMind, are calling for executives to release them from non-disparagement agreements so they can warn the public about emerging technological risks.
Employment contracts seen by The Washington Post prohibit staff from criticising the company, even after their employment has ended. Staff reported that these agreements prevent researchers from discussing the broader societal consequences and potential harms of fast-evolving AI systems.
Although company officials have indicated they will not pursue former colleagues who speak publicly, staff members are demanding that their contracts be amended to provide legal certainty. Google employees argue that speaking out is often the only mechanism to inform the public about harms arising from rapid technical advancements.
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