# Google DeepMind staff urge leaders to drop non-disparagement clauses on AI risk warnings

Digest AI · Policy & Regulation · published 2026-11-03T18:00:38Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/google-deepmind-staff-urge-leaders-to-drop-non-disparagement-clauses-o

## Summary

Current DeepMind employees in the United Kingdom have told management that employment contracts should no longer contain non‑disparagement clauses that block former staff from publicly warning about AI safety risks. The staff claim the clauses could silence important warnings even after employees leave the company, potentially hindering broader public awareness of emerging dangers.

The request was reported by the Washington Post, citing unnamed workers who said the language in their contracts limits their ability to speak out about AI risks. DeepMind, a subsidiary of Alphabet, has not publicly responded to the allegations. The push reflects growing internal concern that legal restrictions may conflict with broader industry calls for transparency and responsible AI development.

If the company changes its contracts, it could set a precedent for other AI firms facing similar scrutiny over how they handle employee speech on safety issues. The debate also ties into wider regulatory discussions about corporate accountability for AI risk communication.

## Key points

- DeepMind staff in the UK say non‑disparagement clauses block former employees from warning about AI risks.
- Employees urged leaders to remove the clauses to allow public safety disclosures after departure.
- Alphabet has not yet responded to the staff's request, according to the Washington Post.

## Why it matters

Contract language that limits AI safety warnings could suppress vital information, affecting public understanding and regulatory oversight of emerging AI risks.

## Sources

1. [Sources: UK-based Google DeepMind staff urge leaders to drop non-disparagement clauses barring public warnings about AI risks even after they leave the company](https://washingtonpost.com/technology/2026/11/03/google-deepmind-staff-protest-lifetime-ban-criticizing-company) (washingtonpost.com, 2026-11-03)

Part of the developing story: [DeepMind Staff Walk Out Over Military AI Deals](https://digestai.news/thread/google-faces-staff-resignations-over-ai-military-contracts) (2 stories)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Google DeepMind staff urge leaders to drop non-disparagement clauses on AI risk warnings", 3 November 2026, https://digestai.news/story/google-deepmind-staff-urge-leaders-to-drop-non-disparagement-clauses-o

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