Retaining leading AI talent has become increasingly challenging amid intense competition among major companies such as Google and OpenAI.
DeepMind, the AI division of Google, has implemented “aggressive” noncompete agreements for certain AI employees in the United Kingdom, which prevent them from joining competitors for up to a year, according to a report by Business Insider. During this period, some employees receive payment, effectively providing them with an extended period of paid leave. However, this approach may cause researchers to feel disconnected from the rapid advancements in the AI field.
In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) banned most noncompete clauses last year, but this regulation does not extend to DeepMind’s London-based operations.
Recently, Nando de Freitas, the Vice President of AI at Microsoft, shared on social media platform X that DeepMind employees have been contacting him in distress about the difficulties they face in leaving their noncompete agreements. de Freitas noted that employees are also seeking employment with him as a strategy for career advancement.
While Google did not respond to a request for comment from TechCrunch, it informed Business Insider that the company applies noncompete clauses “selectively.”
