Google is paying top AI techies to do… absolutely nothing? Here’s the truth

It is often said that we live in a strange world, where life seems stranger than fiction– and rightly so. In a bizarre new development, news is that Google is now paying its top techies to do absolutely nothing.
According to a recent report by Business Insider, Google is now putting some specific employees— mostly from its AI division DeepMind— on paid leaves. Yes, you read that right! The idea being that this will stop them from joining Google’s competitors.
The real-life golden cage
These employees are locked into contracts that prevent them from working elsewhere for months— even up to a year. It’s called a “noncompete agreement,” and it’s being used as a strategic move to block rival companies from getting access to top AI talent.
In some cases, employees are being placed on what’s called “garden leave,” especially in the UK. They’re still on the payroll, but they’re not allowed to contribute to any project— not even within Google. During this time, their only job is to simply sit and don’t work for anyone else.
Calling this out, Microsoft’s AI VP (and former DeepMind director) Nando de Freitas posted on social media: “Don’t sign these contracts. No American corporation should have that much power, especially in Europe. It’s abuse of power.”
Why Google’s doing this
It all comes down to staying ahead in the AI innovations race. With OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s own Gemini models pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, every day counts. And in such a competitive environment, falling behind– even by a few months– can mean losing out on market share, innovation, or even relevance.
So, Google is hedging its bets. By keeping talent on hold, they’re making sure no one else can use that brainpower to get ahead. It’s less about what those employees are doing now, and more about what competitors won’t be able to do.
“This really feels like a space race. Being six months ahead can change everything,” a former DeepMind researcher put it.
Is it justified?
But not all employees are okay with being sidelined. Some say it’s hurting their careers.
The backlash is especially strong in Europe, where noncompete clauses are under legal scrutiny. Critics argue that these agreements stunt innovation, limit career growth, and create a toxic hold over the industry’s brightest minds.
However, Google justified their move by calling it fair. “Our employment contracts are in line with market standards. Given the sensitive nature of our work, we use noncompetes selectively to protect our legitimate interests,” the company said.
What are your views on Google’s strange strategy to stay ahead in the AI race? Do you think it is right? What would you do if you are being paid to do nothing– would you take it up, or give up the offer? Tell us your views in the comments section below.