Nando de Freitas, a former Google employee, accused the company of deliberately using binding contracts to prevent AI talent from jumping ship.
Retaining top AI talent is difficult in today's fiercely competitive tech landscape. DeepMind, Google's AI division, has reportedly resorted to non-compete agreements for some of its UK-based AI employees.
According to former Google DeepMind employee Nando de Freitas, the company's employment contracts can leave an AI developer doing nothing for a year. This is intended to prevent AI talent from leaving the company. However, the practice can leave researchers feeling left behind by the rapid pace of new technology.
De Freitas describes such contracts as "an abuse of power."
The former Google employee also advises that the best way to avoid being tied down is to think carefully before signing. However, for those who need a steady income, or are even attracted by high salaries, they may accept unfavorable terms regarding the length of their commitment to the company. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) banned non-compete clauses in states like California last year, but because Google DeepMind is headquartered in the UK, the company can still "evade" this law.
De Freitas has moved to Microsoft and taken on the position of Vice President of AI. He said some current DeepMind employees still reach out to find a way to escape the "trap" contracts. However, De Freitas advised them to seek help from other leaders at Google.
In response to the incident, Google said "our employment contracts are in line with market standards. Given the sensitivity of the work, we use the terms selectively to protect our legitimate interests."