Meta Platforms has frozen hiring for its newly created artificial intelligence division, the company confirmed on Thursday, marking a pause in an aggressive spending push that has seen billions poured into AI talent and acquisitions.

The development, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, took effect last week as part of a broader restructuring of Meta’s AI operations, according to people familiar with the matter.

In a statement, Meta spokesperson described the move as “basic organizational planning,” aimed at solidifying structures around its superintelligence initiative following recent recruitment and budget reviews.

The shake-up has split Meta’s AI efforts into four units: a superintelligence-focused “TBD Lab,” an AI products group, an infrastructure arm, and a division for long-term research and exploration.

Collectively, they will operate under “Meta Superintelligence Labs,” underscoring CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s ambition to build AI systems that can surpass human intelligence.

Meta has been among the most aggressive spenders in the race for AI dominance, luring researchers and engineers with eye-watering offers, including reported signing bonuses of up to $100 million.

In its most high-profile move, the company acquired a 49% stake in Scale AI for $14.3 billion, bringing on its founder Alexandr Wang to help steer its strategy.

The hiring pause signals a recalibration for Meta as it seeks to balance massive AI investments with tighter organizational discipline.