Meta Platforms has temporarily halted hiring in its artificial intelligence division after recently onboarding more than 50 researchers and engineers, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday.
The decision comes at a time when global debate is intensifying over whether the pace of investment in artificial intelligence is moving too quickly. In July, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg pledged hundreds of billions of dollars for advanced AI data centers, part of what he described as a “superintelligence push.”
Like other major tech firms, Meta has aggressively invested in artificial intelligence, striking high-profile deals and offering multi-million-dollar compensation packages to attract top talent. These moves have been aimed at accelerating efforts to develop machines capable of outperforming humans in a wide range of tasks.
According to the WSJ, the hiring freeze went into effect last week and coincides with a broader internal restructuring of the AI unit. The freeze also restricts existing employees from transferring between teams within the division. However, Meta has not disclosed how long the freeze will remain in place.
In an emailed statement to Reuters, a company spokesperson downplayed concerns, describing the development as part of routine organizational planning. “All that’s happening here is some basic structural work: building a strong foundation for our superintelligence initiatives after recent hiring, while carrying out annual budgeting and planning exercises,” the spokesperson explained.
Earlier this week, The Information reported that Meta was preparing its fourth major restructuring of AI operations within six months. The company reportedly intends to divide its new superintelligence-focused unit, Superintelligence Labs, into four separate groups. These include a “TBD Lab” (short for “to be determined”), a products team centered on the Meta AI assistant, an infrastructure team, and the Fundamental AI Research (FAIR) lab dedicated to long-term, advanced research.
This strategic pause reflects both the rapid expansion of Meta’s AI ambitions and the organizational adjustments required to manage its growing superintelligence agenda.
