Meta Platforms has reportedly laid off about 8,000 employees as part of a major restructuring strategy focused on transforming the company into an artificial intelligence-driven organisation.
The layoffs, said to affect nearly 10% of Meta’s global workforce, were reportedly implemented across several regions, including Asia, Europe, and the United States, with affected workers receiving notification emails in the early hours of the day.
The move comes as the company increases its investment in artificial intelligence under CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who has consistently described A.I. as the technology that will shape the future of the company.
Alongside the layoffs, Meta reportedly reassigned around 7,000 workers into new A.I.-focused projects and departments, highlighting a broader shift in the company’s operations and workforce structure.
Reports indicate that the transition has sparked concerns internally, with some employees worried about job security and the increasing use of artificial intelligence systems within company operations and staff training.
Some staff members also reportedly raised concerns about internal data collection practices connected to A.I. development, with petitions circulating in offices calling for more transparency and limitations on employee data usage.
Despite the workforce reduction, Meta is continuing to invest aggressively in artificial intelligence, with plans to spend more than $100 billion this year on A.I. infrastructure, research, and product development as competition intensifies among major global tech firms.
Mark Zuckerberg defended the restructuring, stating that the companies leading the A.I. race will shape the next era of digital technology and services. He also acknowledged concerns among workers but maintained that the transition is important for the company’s long-term competitiveness.
Employees affected by the layoffs are reportedly being offered severance packages that include multiple months of salary alongside additional compensation based on their years of service.
The restructuring reflects a growing trend across the tech industry, where companies are reducing traditional roles while expanding investments in artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced computing technologies.