Google is allegedly paying some AI staff to do nothing for a year rather than join rivals

Retaining top AI talent is challenging due to intense competition among companies like Google and OpenAI. DeepMind, Google's AI division, has implemented "aggressive" noncompete agreements in the U.K., preventing some AI staff from joining competitors for up to a year. While some employees are compensated during this period, it can leave them feeling disconnected from the fast-paced AI advancements. In contrast, the U.S. FTC banned most noncompetes last year, but this does not affect DeepMind's London operations.

Nando de Freitas, VP of AI at Microsoft, noted on social media that DeepMind employees frequently contact him, expressing frustration over their noncompete clauses and seeking advice on how to navigate them. These employees also inquire about job opportunities, as they believe changing jobs is a pathway to promotion. Google has not commented to TechCrunch but informed Business Insider that it uses noncompetes "selectively."

Key takeaways:

DeepMind, Google's AI division, uses aggressive noncompete agreements in the U.K. to retain AI talent, preventing them from working for competitors for up to a year.
Some DeepMind employees are paid during their noncompete period, effectively giving them an extended paid time off.
Noncompete agreements can leave researchers feeling excluded from the rapid advancements in AI technology.
In the U.S., the FTC banned most noncompetes, but this does not apply to DeepMind's London headquarters.

Google is allegedly paying some AI staff to do nothing for a year rather than join rivals | TechCrunch

Key takeaways:

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