Google DeepMind researchers reportedly bound by perpetual non-disparagement clauses
zetalyrae · x · 2026-10-22
A widely shared revelation: Google DeepMind researchers are reportedly under "in perpetuity" non-disparagement clauses forbidding them from ever speaking critically of the company.
S Ó hÉigeartaigh says he has confirmed this with multiple people and is glad it is finally public. While some ex-employees have spoken out anyway, the clauses have discouraged others and created a clear chilling effect on discussions of safety and risk. He argues the freedom to speak critically — especially on safety — matters enormously, calling the research community's hard-won bargaining power a testament to coordination.
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