California: In a major restructuring move, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is set to lay off nearly 8,000 employees, around 10 per cent of its global workforce, as the tech giant shifts resources toward artificial intelligence and infrastructure expansion.
According to reports, the decision was communicated through an internal memo issued by Chief People Officer Janelle Gale, with the layoffs expected to take effect from May 20. The move comes amid rising investments by the company in AI technologies and follows weeks of speculation over another round of workforce reductions.
Alongside the layoffs, Meta is also freezing recruitment for nearly 6,000 open positions as part of a broader effort to streamline operations and prioritise spending on high-growth sectors. The company is reportedly investing billions of dollars in artificial intelligence as it positions itself for a future increasingly driven by AI-powered products and services.
The latest job cuts add to previous rounds of layoffs at Meta, including reductions across key divisions such as Reality Labs. Reports suggest more cuts could follow, with total workforce reductions potentially reaching up to 20 per cent.
Employees impacted by the move will be offered severance packages. In the United States, this includes 16 weeks of base pay, an additional two weeks for every year of service, and up to 18 months of healthcare coverage. Career transition support and immigration assistance will also be provided where required.
The restructuring reflects a growing trend among major technology firms of redirecting resources toward artificial intelligence while trimming costs in other areas.
