Meta divided by conflict between new AI brainiacs and longtime Zuck loyalists: report

Core Insights - Meta is experiencing internal conflict between its new AI team, led by Alexandr Wang, and long-time executives over strategic priorities, particularly the focus on developing advanced AI versus enhancing existing social media products [1][2][3] Group 1: Internal Conflict - Alexandr Wang, founder of Scale AI, leads Meta's TBD Lab and has expressed disagreement with executives Chris Cox and Andrew Bosworth regarding the use of social media data for AI model training [2][3] - Wang believes the focus should be on competing with AI rivals like OpenAI and Google, rather than improving Meta's social media algorithms [3][4] - The tension is exacerbated by budget cuts in the virtual and augmented reality division, with $2 billion being redirected to support Wang's AI initiatives [4][10] Group 2: Strategic Focus - Meta's CFO Susan Li indicated that the company plans to use AI models to enhance its social media algorithms in the upcoming year, highlighting a potential clash in priorities with Wang's vision [10] - Despite the internal strife, Meta's leadership claims alignment on the goal of building superintelligence while also growing the core business [5][6] - The company has made significant investments in AI, including a $600 billion plan for AI data centers and a $15 billion acquisition of Wang's startup [12][13] Group 3: Talent and Resources - Meta has attracted top AI talent with lucrative compensation packages, but has also faced an exodus of key AI leaders and recent layoffs in its AI division [9][16] - The new AI team has begun to vest their shares, indicating a commitment to the company's long-term vision [15] - There is an ongoing debate within Meta about the allocation of computing resources, with some advocating for prioritizing social media algorithm improvements over funding the superintelligence lab [16]