Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META, ETR:FB2A, SWX:FB) has frozen hiring in its artificial intelligence (AI) division after an intense recruitment spree that brought in over 50 researchers and engineers from competitors like OpenAI, Google DeepMind, Apple, Anthropic, and others.
First reported by the Wall Street Journal and confirmed by a Meta spokesperson, the freeze also blocks internal transfers between teams, with exceptions requiring approval from Meta’s Chief AI Officer, Alexandr Wang.
A Meta spokesperson described the move as “basic organizational planning: creating a solid structure for our new superintelligence efforts after bringing people on board and undertaking yearly budgeting and planning exercises.”
The duration of the freeze has not been disclosed.
The hiring pause coincides with a broader restructuring of Meta’s AI operations, now divided into four groups: superintelligence research, AI products, infrastructure, and long-term exploratory projects under the Meta Superintelligence Labs umbrella.
The shift reflects an effort to streamline teams and focus resources more strategically following an aggressive recruitment campaign.
Meta’s recent talent push has been aggressive, offering top AI researchers pay packages reportedly reaching nine figures and using so-called reverse acquihires to secure startup leaders.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg has personally reached out to high-profile AI talent, underscoring the company’s commitment to building a world-class AI team.
Meta also acquired a significant stake in Scale AI for roughly $14 billion, installing its founder, Alexandr Wang, as Chief AI Officer.
Analysts have voiced concerns about the scale of Meta’s AI investments, particularly the company’s fast-growing stock-based compensation costs, which could pressure shareholder returns.
Meta’s 2025 capital expenditures are projected to reach up to $72 billion, largely allocated to AI data centers and salaries.