DeepMind, acquired by Google in 2014, is reportedly tightening its research-sharing rules, sparking concerns from Iris.ai CEO Anita Schjøll Abildgaard that this shift will stifle AI innovation. The new restrictions, intended to protect DeepMind’s competitive edge, involve stricter vetting and increased bureaucracy for publishing AI studies.
According to the Financial Times, seven current and former DeepMind scientists revealed that these changes aim to safeguard the company’s position in the increasingly competitive AI landscape, facing challenges from companies like OpenAI and DeepSeek.
Abildgaard, co-founder and CEO of Iris.ai—a Norwegian startup developing an AI-powered engine for science—expressed alarm over the potential impact on technological advancement, stating, “DeepMind’s decision marks the end of an era of openness and collaboration in AI research.”
Although some might see DeepMind’s move as an opportunity for other AI labs to gain recognition, Abildgaard argues that the drawbacks outweigh any potential benefits, stating, “Researchers across industries will have less access to DeepMind’s undoubtedly impressive work.”
She cited DeepMind’s AlphaFold as an example, a system known for its accuracy in predicting protein structures and its potential to drive advances in medicine and climate change solutions. “It’s hard to imagine projects of this importance being released so readily under this new diktat,” Abildgaard said.
Abildgaard urged AI companies to reinforce their commitment to openness. She added, “Europe, in particular, has one of the most fertile open-source research communities in the world… As DeepMind looks inwards, smaller research communities can differentiate themselves from the American giants by embracing collaboration.”
Europe’s AI sector will be a key topic at the TNW Conference, scheduled for June 19-20 in Amsterdam. Tickets are available, and using the code TNWXMEDIA2025 offers a 30% discount.
