Did OpenAI shut down for a week to stop Meta’s AI talent poaching spree?

OpenAI has reportedly ordered a week-long mandatory break for all employees in what appears to be a desperate attempt to stem internal unrest and retain talent, following an aggressive recruitment campaign by Meta. The development comes amid growing concerns over a wave of high-profile departures from the AI firm, including at least eight researchers who have recently joined Meta’s new “superintelligence” team.

The unexpected move highlights the deepening crisis at OpenAI as it battles to stay ahead in the increasingly cut-throat artificial…