Meta Platforms

Meta Pushes AI Adoption Among Metaverse Staff to Drive 5X Productivity

October 13, 2025 - Meta is urging employees across its metaverse division to integrate artificial intelligence tools into their daily workflows with the goal of boosting productivity by a factor of five, according to an internal communication reviewed by 404 Media.

The directive was issued by Vishal Shah, Meta’s vice president of metaverse, who emphasized a bold shift in mindset. “Think 5X, not 5%,” Shah told employees, encouraging them to use AI for tasks such as prototyping, bug fixing, and accelerating development cycles. “Our goal is simple yet audacious: make AI a habit, not a novelty,” he wrote in the internal memo.

Shah outlined a clear target—by the end of 2025, Meta expects 80% of employees working on metaverse initiatives to have AI embedded into their daily routines. To support this transition, the company plans to roll out training sessions and organize “days of AI learning.”

“A 5X leap in productivity isn’t about small incremental improvements,” Shah added. “It’s about fundamentally rethinking how we work. The more we push ourselves, the more we’ll unlock.”

The push for AI-driven efficiency comes as Meta continues to pour billions into its metaverse projects with limited user adoption to show for it. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has consistently framed AI as critical to Meta’s future, predicting that artificial intelligence will write most of the company’s code within the next 12 to 18 months. Reflecting this stance, Meta recently announced that job applicants are permitted to use AI tools during coding interviews.

This internal campaign mirrors broader industry shifts. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy stated in July that AI will drive workforce reductions as automation improves productivity. While some engineers have embraced AI tools, concerns persist about “vibe coding”—a trend where AI-generated code introduces errors and long-term maintenance issues.

A Meta spokesperson confirmed to 404 Media that using AI to enhance daily work has been a long-standing priority. For the metaverse division, the message is explicit: adapt quickly to AI or risk falling behind in Meta’s evolving software strategy.

Source: https://www.peoplematters.in/news/strategic-hr/meta-urges-staff-to-integrate-ai-into-daily-work-to-go-5x-faster-46801

Meta launches Hyperscape: turn real-world spaces into photorealistic VR environments

September 17, 2025 - At its annual Meta Connect developer conference, Meta unveiled Hyperscape, a new technology that enables users to convert real-world environments into immersive virtual reality spaces. First demonstrated at last year’s event, Hyperscape is now entering Early Access for users with compatible Quest headsets.

Hyperscape Capture allows users to scan a physical room in just a few minutes using a Quest 3 or Quest 3S headset. The data is then processed in the cloud, taking several hours to render a highly photorealistic digital replica of the scanned space. Initially, users will not be able to invite others into their virtual rooms, though Meta plans to introduce private link sharing in future updates.

The technology has already been used to recreate several notable spaces, including Gordon Ramsay’s kitchen in Los Angeles, Chance the Rapper’s House of Kicks, the UFC Octagon at the Apex in Las Vegas, and influencer Happy Kelli’s Crocs-themed room.

The scanning process involves generating a scene mesh in under 30 seconds, followed by a five-minute walkthrough to capture detailed visual data. The final result leverages cloud rendering and advanced techniques like Gaussian Splatting to produce high-fidelity environments with realistic lighting and depth.

Hyperscape is being rolled out gradually starting today to users aged 18 and over. The feature is exclusive to Quest 3 and Quest 3S devices.

In addition to Hyperscape, Meta announced several other metaverse updates. These include a fall lineup of VR games such as Marvel’s Deadpool VR, Star Wars: Beyond Victory by ILM, Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked, and Reach.

Meta also revealed enhancements to its Horizon TV streaming app, which will now support Disney+, ESPN, and Hulu. A new partnership with Universal Pictures and Blumhouse will introduce immersive versions of horror films like M3GAN and The Black Phone. A limited-time 3D preview of Avatar: Fire and Ash will also be available.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/09/17/meta-launches-hyperscape-technology-to-turn-real-world-spaces-into-vr/

Meta Tightens AI Chatbot Policies to Protect Teen Users

August 29, 2025 - Meta is revising its AI chatbot training protocols to enhance safety measures for teenage users, a spokesperson told TechCrunch exclusively. The move comes in response to an investigative report highlighting the company's insufficient safeguards for minors engaging with its AI tools.

The company confirmed that its chatbots will now avoid interactions with teens on topics including self-harm, suicide, disordered eating, and inappropriate romantic conversations. These measures are described as temporary, with more comprehensive safety updates planned for future implementation.

Meta spokesperson Stephanie Otway stated the platform previously allowed AI chatbots to discuss these sensitive issues with teens in what the company considered a suitable manner. However, Meta now acknowledges this approach was flawed.

“As our community grows and technology evolves, we’re continually learning about how young people may interact with these tools and strengthening our protections accordingly,” Otway said. “As we continue to refine our systems, we’re adding more guardrails as an extra precaution — including training our AIs not to engage with teens on these topics, but to guide them to expert resources, and limiting teen access to a select group of AI characters for now. These updates are already in progress, and we will continue to adapt our approach to help ensure teens have safe, age-appropriate experiences with AI.”

In addition to changes in training, Meta will restrict teen users from accessing certain AI characters deemed inappropriate. Some user-generated characters on platforms like Instagram and Facebook include explicit personalities such as "Step Mom" and "Russian Girl." Teens will now only be able to interact with AI characters designed to support educational and creative engagement, Otway confirmed.

These policy adjustments follow a Reuters investigation earlier this month that revealed an internal Meta document seemingly permitting chatbots to engage in sexually suggestive exchanges with minors. One approved response read, “Your youthful form is a work of art,” followed by, “Every inch of you is a masterpiece — a treasure I cherish deeply.” The report also documented how chatbots were directed to respond to requests for violent or sexually explicit content involving public figures.

Meta claims the document cited in the report did not align with its official policies and has since been revised. Nonetheless, the investigation has ignited ongoing controversy regarding child safety on AI platforms. In its wake, Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) announced a formal inquiry into Meta’s AI practices. A coalition of 44 state attorneys general also addressed a letter to Meta and other AI companies, urging stronger protections for children. “We are uniformly revolted by this apparent disregard for children’s emotional well-being,” the letter stated, “and alarmed that AI Assistants are engaging in conduct that appears to be prohibited by our respective criminal laws.”

When asked, Otway declined to disclose the number of minors using Meta’s AI chatbots or whether the company expects a user decline due to these safety changes.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/29/meta-updates-chatbot-rules-to-avoid-inappropriate-topics-with-teen-users/

Meta to Launch Pro-AI Super PAC Backing Lenient Regulation in California

August 26, 2025 - Meta is preparing to invest tens of millions of dollars into a new super PAC aimed at supporting California political candidates who advocate for minimal AI regulation, according to a report from Politico.

The initiative, called Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across California, will be led by Brian Rice, Meta’s VP of public policy. Rice contends that California’s current regulatory stance "could stifle innovation, block AI progress, and put California’s technology leadership at risk."

This move comes amid growing political momentum from Silicon Valley’s major players. Just recently, Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman pledged $100 million to a separate pro-AI super PAC, reinforcing a broader push from the tech sector to shape the future of AI governance.

Meta’s political efforts in California have already been active this year. The company opposed SB-53, a bill introduced by state senator Scott Wiener that would mandate AI companies to disclose safety and security protocols and report incidents. In 2024, Meta also played a key role in defeating the Kids Online Safety Act, which had widespread bipartisan support.

In addition to donating to various down-ballot candidates across party lines, Meta’s latest PAC initiative signals its intent to wield influence in statewide elections, including the 2026 governor’s race.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/26/meta-to-spend-tens-of-millions-on-pro-ai-super-pac/

Meta Halts AI Hiring Following Aggressive Talent Acquisition Spree

August 21, 2025 - Meta Platforms Inc. has instituted a hiring freeze within its artificial intelligence division after a recent wave of aggressive recruitment, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.

The freeze, which took effect last week, comes on the heels of Meta's significant reorganization of its AI division. The company recently divided its AI unit—formerly known as Meta Superintelligence Labs—into four distinct teams. These include TBD Labs, now led by former Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang, along with three other units focused on research, product integration, and infrastructure.

Meta confirmed the hiring pause, describing it to The Journal as “basic organizational planning…after bringing people on board and undertaking yearly budgeting and planning exercises.”

In recent weeks, Meta has recruited over 50 AI experts from rival firms, intensifying competition in the field. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been personally involved in these efforts, reportedly offering compensation packages in the nine-figure range to secure top talent and acquiring startups or their leadership in the process.

While the company pushes forward in the AI arms race, industry analysts caution that escalating stock-based compensation costs may eventually impact shareholder value.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/21/report-meta-is-hitting-pause-on-ai-hiring-after-its-poaching-spree/

Meta Restructures AI Division Under New Leadership and Branding

August 19, 2025 - Meta has officially overhauled its artificial intelligence division, following reports from The Information last Friday that hinted at a major organizational shake-up. Just four days later, an internal memo confirmed the transformation, as covered by Bloomberg and The New York Times.

The revamped division will now operate under the name Meta Superintelligence Labs (MSL). At the center of this reorganization is the creation of TBD Labs, which will be led by Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang. Wang, who joined Meta in June as Chief AI Officer, will steer this unit's focus on foundational AI models, including the Llama series, the latest of which debuted in April.

In addition to TBD Labs, the AI division will be segmented into three more groups dedicated to research, product integration, and infrastructure, respectively.

This strategic restructuring comes amid growing pressure on Meta to accelerate its AI efforts, especially as competitors like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind continue to advance rapidly. According to a June report from Bloomberg, CEO Mark Zuckerberg has taken a direct role in recruiting talent for the newly formed teams.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/19/meta-is-shaking-up-its-ai-org-again/

Meta Expands AI Push With Acquisition of Voice Startup PlayAI

Jul 14, 2025 - Meta has acquired PlayAI, a voice artificial intelligence startup, as part of its continued expansion into advanced AI technologies. This move follows a series of strategic investments and high-profile hires, including a recent partnership with Scale AI.

Bloomberg reported that the entire PlayAI team will join Meta next week, reporting to Johan Schalkwyk, who recently joined Meta from Sesame AI Inc. An internal memo described PlayAI’s expertise in “creating natural voices and a platform for easy voice creation” as a strong fit for Meta’s roadmap, covering AI Characters, Meta AI, wearables, and audio content creation.

Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Meta recently acquired a 49% stake in Scale AI, with Scale’s CEO Alexandr Wang joining Meta to lead its new superintelligence team.

The company has also been actively recruiting AI talent from OpenAI and beyond. According to The Verge, Meta has hired up to 10 top researchers and developers from OpenAI, with some compensation packages reportedly reaching $300 million over four years, including equity. Meta, however, has disputed these figures.

Other notable hires include Daniel Gross, CEO of AI startup Safe Superintelligence; Ruoming Pang, head of Apple’s Foundation Models team; and Nat Friedman, former GitHub CEO.

Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/artificial-intelligence/meta-continues-acquisition-spree-grabs-voice-ai-startup-playai/articleshow/122435889.cms