DeepMind Researchers Quit Over Pentagon AI Contract and Gag Clauses

Multiple Google DeepMind researchers have resigned over the company's contract with the U.S. Department of Defense, signed in April, that permits Google's AI models to be used for 'any lawful government purpose' including classified military work. Researcher Sofia Liguori resigned after three years at the company, citing Google's increasing work with the U.S. and Israeli militaries, and spoke to the BBC despite a contractual non-disparagement clause she said forbids her from criticizing Google for the rest of her life. Researcher Andreas Kirsch also resigned. The contract prohibits use for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons without appropriate human oversight, but critics argue Google has no enforcement power over how the government applies the technology in classified operations. Google defends the contract as compliant with its AI principles and states that employees have internal channels to raise concerns and that retaliation is prohibited.