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

Google is reportedly paying some AI staff at its DeepMind division to sit idle for a year instead of joining competing firms. This practice involves "aggressive" noncompete agreements in the U.K. that prevent employees from working for rivals during this period. While some of these employees receive pay, the arrangement can lead to feelings of isolation as they miss out on rapid advancements in AI.

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In contrast, the FTC in the U.S. has banned most noncompete clauses, but this does not apply to DeepMind's London operations. Employees have expressed frustration, seeking ways to escape these restrictions and find new opportunities. Google has stated it uses noncompetes "selectively."