Meta’s move follows costly hiring, including $100 million offers and a $1.5 billion proposal to one AI scientist|Nokia621|CC BY-SA 4.0

Meta Platforms has frozen hiring in its artificial-intelligence division after months of aggressive hiring and poaching top talent from rivals, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The freeze, effective last week, also blocks internal transfers across teams.

While exceptions may be allowed, they require approval from Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang. 

Meta said the pause is part of “basic organizational planning” as it restructures its AI division into four groups: superintelligence, AI products, infrastructure, and long-term research.

The move comes after heavy spending on researchers, including offers worth up to $100 million, and even a $1.5 billion proposal to one AI scientist.

Analysts warn Meta’s soaring stock-based compensation could erode shareholder returns. 

Despite the hiring freeze, Meta remains among the top players in the global AI talent race.