Nando de Freitas, Vice President of Microsoft AI, has publicly addressed Google DeepMind employees, urging them to stop reaching out to him for job opportunities.
The statement, made via social media, has sparked discussions about restrictive employment contracts, workplace culture, and the competitive dynamics within the artificial intelligence (AI) industry.
Nando, a former DeepMind director, congratulated the company on its recent advancements but criticized its employment practices, calling them an “abuse of power.”
The Social Media Statement by VP Microsoft AI
Nando took to social media to acknowledge Google DeepMind’s impressive new AI models while simultaneously addressing the concerns of its employees.
He revealed that DeepMind staff frequently approach him in “despair,” seeking assistance to escape restrictive notice periods and non-compete agreements.
These contracts, which reportedly last up to 12 months for some employees, have been criticized for limiting job mobility and innovation in the fast-paced AI sector.
In his post, Nando urged DeepMind employees to engage with their internal leadership rather than seeking external job opportunities.
He specifically mentioned CTO Koray Kavukcuoglu and Senior Research Director Douglas Eck, stating that both executives have expressed opposition to such restrictive practices.
“Your leads are responsible for this. Talk to them,” he wrote, emphasizing the need for internal dialogue.
Criticism of Employment Practices
Nando did not mince words in his criticism of DeepMind’s employment contracts.
He advised employees against signing such agreements, characterizing them as an “abuse of power” by an American corporation, particularly in European contexts where labor laws are generally more protective of employees.
His remarks have reignited debates about the ethical implications of restrictive contracts in the tech industry.
The Microsoft executive’s comments come amid an increasingly competitive talent war in AI, with companies like Microsoft and Google vying for top researchers while implementing measures to prevent knowledge transfer to competitors.
Nando’s stance highlights the growing tensions in the industry and the challenges faced by employees navigating these dynamics.
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