Meta lays off 8,000 employees as company shifts focus to artificial intelligence
Meta lays off 8,000 employees as company shifts focus to artificial intelligence
Publish Date: 2026-05-22 08:06:00
Source Domain: www.wionews.com
- Meta has laid off around 8,000 employees, roughly 10 percent of its global workforce, to shift focus towards artificial intelligence (AI).
- Layoffs began on May 20 across regions like Singapore, the U.S., and U.K. as part of a broader restructuring initiative.
- Despite strong financial and record revenue reports, Meta plans to increase spending significantly to between $125 billion and $145 billion this year, prioritizing AI infrastructure and development.
- Employees, who currently number about 78,000, have expressed uncertainty and concerns, especially given Meta’s AI-driven workforce reorganization and the creation of a new team focused on applied AI and engineering.
- Meta’s transition to AI has raised internal concerns over data use for AI training and job security, with over 1,000 employees opposing such programs.
- The layoffs reflect a broader trend in the tech industry where companies are restructuring to emphasize automation and advanced technologies, reshaping workforce requirements.
- No further company-wide layoffs are expected this year, but Meta will continue to heavily invest in AI and undergo organizational changes focusing on technological advancements.