Meta pauses AI hiring after billion-dollar talent hunt

Meta has reportedly paused hiring in its artificial intelligence (AI) program. This significant move came when global concerns were arising that investments in AI are moving rapidly.

In July 2025, Mark Zuckerberg pledged hundreds of billions of AI data centers in a “superintelligent push.”

Meta is among the leading technology companies that have struck high-profile deals, and million-dollar pay packages in recent months to accelerate work on machines that could outthink humans on several tasks.

According to the report by The Wall Street Journal, “The hiring freeze, which went into effect last week and coincides with a broader restructuring of the group, also prohibits current employees from moving across teams inside the division.”

“The duration of the freeze wasn't communicated internally,” the report unveiled. 

A spokesperson for Meta has further confirmed in an emailed statement to Reuters, "All that’s happening here is some basic organizational planning: creating a solid structure for new superintelligence efforts after bringing people on board and undertaking yearly budgeting and planning exercises.”

In addition, the official report stated that the company is expected to divide its new AI unit, Superintelligence Labs, into four groups: 

1. A new TBD Lab
2. A products team including the Meta AI assistant
3. An infrastructure team
4. The Fundamental AI Research (FAIR) lab focused on long-term research

The CEO of Meta Mark Zuckerberg's forceful drive to lead the AI race has sparked talent wars. 

 He has personally called prominent researchers and engineers to offer them handsome packages worth nine figures. 

This high-stake recruitment drive has raised concerns among analysts that the stock-based compensation could negatively impact shareholder returns.