Meta Platforms (META.O) has halted hiring in its artificial intelligence division after recently adding over 50 researchers and engineers, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.

Figure 1. WSJ: Meta Freezes AI Recruitment as Superintelligence Lab Reorganizes.

A Meta spokesperson told Reuters, “All that's happening here is some basic organizational planning: creating a solid structure for our new superintelligence efforts after bringing people on board and undertaking yearly budgeting and planning exercises.” Figure 1 shows WSJ: Meta Freezes AI Recruitment as Superintelligence Lab Reorganizes

Meta is pausing hiring in its Superintelligence department as the team reorganizes and defines its structure, according to the Wall Street Journal. Internal transfers are also reportedly on hold.

A Meta spokesperson said the aim is to “create a solid structure for our new superintelligence efforts after hiring employees and conducting annual budgeting and planning exercises.” The company has invested billions in the initiative, offering high bonuses and other incentives to attract top AI talent. The lab is led by Alexandr Wang, former CEO of Scale AI, in which Meta acquired a 49% stake for $14.3 billion.

The department is being structured into four teams: one focused on developing a superintelligence, another on product development, a third on infrastructure, and a fourth with a scientific focus. The latter is likely the Paris-based FAIR team (Fundamental AI Research), which includes AI expert and Turing Award winner Yann LeCun.

For the infrastructure team, building a massive computing center is a top priority. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg defines superintelligence as a computer system that surpasses humans in most cognitive tasks. While much of Silicon Valley is focused on Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), Meta’s research team is aiming for Advanced Machine Intelligence (AMI). The Wall Street Journal also reports that at least three employees from the former AGI team have left the company.

Hiring Freeze Announced

Meta has paused recruitment in its Superintelligence division. No internal transfers or new hires are taking place as the department focuses on reorganizing itself, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Structuring the Superintelligence Lab

The goal is to “create a solid structure” for Meta’s superintelligence efforts. This comes after a significant hiring spree and annual budgeting and planning exercises.

Investment and Leadership

Meta has invested billions into the division, offering high bonuses and incentives to attract AI talent. The lab is led by Alexandr Wang, former CEO of Scale AI, in which Meta owns a 49% stake.

Focus on Advanced Machine Intelligence (AMI)

While Silicon Valley largely pursues AGI, Meta is targeting Advanced Machine Intelligence (AMI). The infrastructure team will build a massive computing center, but the WSJ notes some departures from the previous AGI team.

Reference:

1. https://www.reuters.com/business/meta-freezes-ai-hiring-wsj-reports-2025-08-21/
2. https://www.heise.de/en/news/Restructuring-again-Meta-pauses-recruitment-of-AI-experts-10560779.html

Cite this article:

Priyadharshini S (2025), Meta Pauses AI Recruitment, WSJ Reports, AnaTechMaz, pp. 121