Google DeepMind Pays AI Researchers to Sit Out Due to Strict Non Compete Contracts Amid Industry Talent War

Last Updated Apr - 09 - 2025, 05:53 PM | Source : Fela News

Google is paying its employees to do nothing to safeguard its interests, critics say this might hinder free flow of ideas and ultimately affect the industry.

As AI companies race to outdo each other—Meta with Llama 4, OpenAI’s new image tool for GPT-4o, and Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro—the battle for top AI talent is intensifying. In the middle of this competition, Google has taken an unusual step: it's paying some DeepMind employees to do nothing. These individuals are bound by noncompete agreements, preventing them from joining rival firms for up to a year after leaving. While still being paid, they're essentially benched—a frustrating prospect in a rapidly evolving field.

This issue came into focus when Microsoft AI VP and former DeepMind executive Nando de Freitas shared on X that DeepMind employees often reach out to him, desperate to break free from these contracts. He warned others not to sign them, calling them an abuse of power—especially in Europe, where such clauses are legally enforceable, unlike in California.

Critics argue these contracts stifle careers in a fast-moving industry. “A year is forever in AI,” said a former DeepMind staffer, highlighting how tough it is to stay relevant during such forced career pauses.