DeepMind, Google's AI research lab, has implemented stringent noncompete clauses that prevent employees from taking jobs with competitors like OpenAI or Microsoft for months after leaving. Reports indicate that some senior researchers face up to a year of paid 'garden leave.' Nando de Freitas, a former director at DeepMind, criticized these practices publicly, highlighting the despair of current employees and arguing against such corporate power. Google defended the policy as standard practice in the industry, citing the sensitive nature of their work as justification for the restrictions.
According to reports, DeepMind has implemented aggressive noncompete clauses that prevent employees from joining rivals like OpenAI or Microsoft after quitting for up to a year.
Nando de Freitas, a former director at DeepMind now at Microsoft, described the distress of current employees over their restrictive contracts and urged them to resist.
Google responded to the backlash by stating that their employment contracts are typical for the industry and necessary due to the sensitive nature of their work.
DeepMind's noncompete policies can effectively stifle career momentum in AI, as significant advancements happen rapidly and long gaps in employment can hinder a researcher's prospects.
Collection
[
|
...
]