In an unusual talent retention strategy, Google's DeepMind is reportedly offering full pay to some artificial intelligence researchers during extended non-compete periods, effectively paying them to remain idle rather than join competing firms.
According to Business Insider reports, DeepMind's London headquarters has implemented "aggressive" non-compete agreements that prevent certain AI staff from working for competitors for up to 12 months after leaving the company. During this period, affected employees continue receiving their salaries despite not actively working.
The practice highlights the intense competition for AI talent between tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI. However, some researchers express frustration about being sidelined from rapid developments in artificial intelligence during their enforced breaks.
While such non-compete arrangements are now banned in the United States following Federal Trade Commission regulations last year, they remain legal at DeepMind's UK base. The situation has drawn public attention after Microsoft's VP of AI revealed on social media that DeepMind staff regularly contact him seeking ways around their non-compete clauses.
When approached for comment, Google indicated they use non-compete agreements "selectively," though declined to provide additional details. The policy appears to be part of broader efforts by major tech companies to maintain their competitive edge in the fast-moving AI sector by protecting intellectual property and preventing talent drain to rivals.
The revelation provides rare insight into the extraordinary measures tech companies are willing to take to retain valuable AI expertise, even if it means paying substantial salaries to inactive former employees.