Why Google Is Paying AI Employees to Do Nothing: The DeepMind Noncompete Controversy Explained

Google’s strategy highlights a painful truth: The AI race is so intense that companies would rather pay employees to stay home than let them boost a rival. But while this might safeguard secrets short-term, it risks long-term consequences—stifling innovation, damaging employer brands, and fueling resentment among top talent.

As the debate heats up, one thing is clear: In the battle for AI supremacy, treating humans as pawns could backfire spectacularly.