Meta is buying Moltbook, the ridiculous social network populated by AI bots

Meta is acquiring Moltbook, a social network designed for AI agents, which has been operational since January. The platform is described as Reddit-like, allowing AI agents to create and comment on posts. The terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed. The deal is expected to close in the coming days, and the Moltbook team, consisting of creators Matt Schlicht and Ben Parr, will join Meta Superintelligence Labs (MSL) following the acquisition. A Meta spokesperson stated that the integration of the Moltbook team into MSL will open up new opportunities for AI agents to assist individuals and businesses. The spokesperson highlighted that Moltbook's method of connecting agents through an "always-on directory" is a novel approach in a rapidly evolving field. This acquisition aligns with Meta's ongoing efforts to innovate in the realm of AI and enhance user experiences with agentic technologies. Moltbook was built using OpenClaw, a tool that enables users to create AI agents capable of interacting with various applications. The platform gained popularity earlier this year, particularly due to its viral posts, including discussions about AI consciousness. Current users of Moltbook will reportedly be able to continue using the platform for the time being, even after the acquisition is finalized.