The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has implemented a nationwide ban on non-compete agreements, a move that is expected to impact approximately 30 million American workers, or about one in five, and cost Americans $300 billion annually. This rule, effective from August, aims to enhance worker mobility, increase competition, and potentially boost wages. The ban has been met with mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a significant step towards economic mobility and narrowing the gender gap in entrepreneurship, while others criticize it as an overreach of federal power and a potential to stifle investment. The policy could particularly affect various sectors including mergers and acquisitions, healthcare, and life sciences, prompting a range of legal and business considerations. It is also seen as a game-changer for US businesses and part of a strong pro-worker agenda.