re: How does the FTC have the authority to do this - Non Compete ?

Pay them more and they won't leave. And you should do that if you'll be giving them such knowledge.

What's dumb about this rule is it doesn't let you agree with someone pre-hire that they will get severance in exchange for not competing.

Couldn't it be fair for people not to go to a competitor for a year if they get a year of severance? That sounds like freedom to me.

Is it bad for the consumer? Who says it's any better for the consumer to work at one place or another?