In a surprising twist in the ongoing AI talent war, Google is reportedly paying some of its AI researchers to essentially do nothing for up to a year—just to keep them from joining competitors like OpenAI or Microsoft.
According to a report by Business Insider, Google DeepMind, the tech giant’s AI-focused division, has implemented “aggressive” noncompete agreements for certain employees based in the United Kingdom. These contracts prevent staff from working for rival companies for as long as 12 months—even if they’re no longer actively contributing to Google’s projects.
The kicker? Some of these employees are being paid throughout the enforced break, making it feel more like an extended paid leave than a career transition. However, sources say the situation is far from ideal.
“It’s a lonely, frustrating experience,” one insider told BI, explaining how being benched for a year can feel like missing out on the rapid progress happening across the AI industry.
Noncompetes: Legal in the U.K., Banned in the U.S.
This controversial practice wouldn’t fly in the United States. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) banned most noncompete clauses last year, citing concerns over innovation and worker freedom. But that ban doesn’t apply to DeepMind’s London headquarters, where many of these restrictive contracts are still enforceable.
Microsoft Exec Speaks Out
Microsoft’s Vice President of AI recently addressed the issue publicly on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that DeepMind employees regularly reach out in “despair” over how to escape their noncompete clauses.
“Please don’t reach out to me. Rather, reach out to each other,” the exec wrote, urging DeepMind staff to push back internally.
“No American corporation should have that much power, especially in Europe. It’s abuse of power.”
The post also took a swipe at Google’s internal promotion culture, suggesting that navigating these noncompetes is seen as part of the path to advancement—an implication that raised eyebrows across the tech community.
Google’s Response
While Google declined to comment directly to TechCrunch, the company told Business Insider that it uses noncompete agreements “selectively.” It remains unclear how many employees are affected or whether the practice is being reconsidered amid growing backlash.
The High-Stakes AI Talent War
As the global race for AI dominance intensifies, companies like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI are fighting hard to retain top researchers. With major breakthroughs emerging every few months, losing talent—even temporarily—can mean falling behind.
That’s likely why Google is willing to pay for a year of inactivity: better to have top minds on the sidelines than supercharging a competitor’s next big leap.
Still, for those caught in the middle, it’s a high price to pay—one that raises uncomfortable questions about power dynamics in Big Tech, and the limits of employee freedom in the age of AI.
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