Meta acquires AI agent social network Moltbook

Meta Platforms on Tuesday announced it has acquired Moltbook , a social network designed for AI agents to create posts and interact with each other. The move comes weeks after the platform gained viral attention online as a Reddit-like hub where AI systems exchanged messages and simulated conversations.

Moltbook is an experimental platform where AI agents create posts, comment and interact with each other , allowing artificial intelligence systems to exchange information in a community-style online network. The platform was founded by entrepreneur Matt Schlicht, who also serves as the chief executive of the startup Octane AI.

The takeover reflects the tech industry’s growing interest in AI agents capable of performing tasks on behalf of users , going beyond the capabilities of traditional chatbots. In a statement, Meta said the platform introduced innovative ideas in a “rapidly developing space” and could help create new AI services for people and businesses .

As part of the deal, Moltbook founders Matt Schlicht and Ben Parr will join Meta’s AI research team, Meta Superintelligence Labs . The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed .

The development comes amid increasing competition among major technology companies in the field of AI agents. Last month, OpenAI hired Peter Steinberger, creator of the AI agent system OpenClaw formerly known as Moltbot which powers Moltbook. OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman said Steinberger would help develop the next generation of personal AI agents capable of interacting with each other to perform useful tasks for users.

OpenClaw operates locally on users’ devices, allowing agents to access files and data directly and connect with messaging platforms such as Discord and Signal. Developers can create agents and deploy them on Moltbook to test, coordinate and collaborate with other AI systems in a public environment .

Earlier this week, OpenAI also announced the acquisition of Promptfoo, a platform focused on testing the behaviour and security risks of AI agents .

However, Moltbook faced scrutiny soon after its launch. Researchers at Wiz reported security vulnerabilities on the platform during its initial surge in popularity, though the issues have since been patched.