Google is paying some AI staff to do nothing for a year rather than join rivals
a year ago
- #AI
- #Noncompete
- Retaining top AI talent is challenging due to competition among tech giants like Google and OpenAI.
- Google's DeepMind uses aggressive noncompete agreements in the U.K., preventing staff from joining competitors for up to a year.
- Some employees are paid during their noncompete period, effectively giving them a long paid leave.
- Noncompete clauses can leave researchers feeling isolated from rapid AI advancements.
- The FTC banned most noncompetes in the U.S., but this does not affect DeepMind's U.K. operations.
- Microsoft's VP of AI mentioned DeepMind employees reaching out in frustration over noncompete clauses.
- Google claims it uses noncompetes 'selectively' but did not provide further comment.