I think you're painting with a very broad brush there.
NDAs and non-competes have their uses. It's when they become part of the default boilerplate that everyone signs to get a job that the problems start.
NDAs and non-competes have their uses. It's when they become part of the default boilerplate that everyone signs to get a job that the problems start.
I have yet to see a valid use that does not hinder whistle-blowing, the advancement of technology, or does not abuse the employees. I am sure that you will find a few valid use-cases if you try hard enough, however in the vast majority of cases they are used in order to repress the rights of others.
The legal system isn't static. If your company is breaking the law and you report it to authorities, your NDA will be unenforceable.