Science, Discovery, Tech and Environment · 13 March 2026

Meta acquires Artificial Intelligence (AI) social media network Moltbook

Exam-focused facts from the 13 March 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

  • Meta has acquired Moltbook, a social media networking platform designed for Artificial Intelligence (AI) bots to communicate with each other.
  • The Moltbook team will be integrated into Meta's Superintelligence Labs to develop new methods for AI agents to assist individuals and businesses.
  • Moltbook was developed using OpenClaw, an open-source AI agent tool that functions as a personal digital assistant to manage tasks like writing emails and building applications.
  • Meta previously acquired Manus, a Chinese-founded AI firm specialising in general-purpose bots, in December to compete with rivals like OpenAI and Google.
  • Peter Steinberger, the creator of OpenClaw, was hired by OpenAI in February to assist in developing the next generation of personal agents.
  • China's cyber security agency has issued warnings regarding the risks associated with OpenClaw after local governments and technology firms began experimenting with the tool.