Meta Platforms has laid off about 8,000 employees as part of a sweeping restructuring aimed at transforming the tech giant into an artificial intelligence-focused company.
Mark Zuckerberg
The layoffs, which account for nearly 10 per cent of Meta’s global workforce, affected employees across Asia, Europe, and the United States, with staff reportedly receiving termination notices via email.
The company also reassigned about 7,000 workers to new AI-related projects as part of its broader organisational overhaul under Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg.
Zuckerberg has consistently described artificial intelligence as the most important technology shaping Meta’s future and has pushed aggressively to position the company at the forefront of the global AI race.
According to reports, the restructuring has generated anxiety among employees, with concerns growing over job security and the increasing deployment of AI systems within Meta’s operations and training processes.
Some workers were also said to have questioned internal data collection practices linked to AI development, while petitions reportedly circulated within company offices calling for greater transparency regarding employee data usage.
Despite the layoffs, Meta is significantly increasing investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure, research, and product development.
The company plans to spend more than 100 billion dollars this year on AI-related initiatives as competition intensifies among global technology firms.
Zuckerberg defended the restructuring, saying companies that lead in artificial intelligence would shape the next generation of digital services and technology innovation.
Also Read: Meta shares plunge 10% as investors question AI spending spree
He acknowledged concerns among employees but maintained that the transition was necessary to ensure Meta’s long-term competitiveness.
Affected workers are expected to receive severance packages including several months of salary and additional compensation based on their years of service.
Industry analysts say the development reflects a broader trend in the technology sector, where companies are reducing traditional roles while expanding investments in artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced computing systems.
