The Federal Trade Commission on Thursday kicked off the process for regulating non-compete clauses in employment agreements, issuing a proposed rule that would largely ban the practice.

Under the proposal, the FTC would still allow employers other legal avenues to protect trade secrets and other sensitive information. However, those non-disclosure agreements cannot be so broadly construed as to functionally serve as non-compete clauses, according to the agency.

…

“For too long, coercive noncompete agreements have unfairly denied millions of working people the freedom to change jobs, negotiate for better pay, and start new businesses,” Sarah Miller, who heads up the antimonopoly group American Economic Liberties Project, said in a statement.

…