Meta plans massive layoffs amid AI push; up to 15,000 employees could be affected

Meta is reportedly planning a major round of layoffs that could affect around 20 per cent of its global workforce as the company accelerates its investment in artificial intelligence. If implemented, the move could impact more than 15,000 employees across its operations worldwide. The decision is believed to be linked to the company’s strategy to redirect resources toward large-scale AI development, including the construction of data centres and acquisition of artificial intelligence startups.

The company currently employs nearly 79,000 people globally. A reduction of about one-fifth of its workforce would mark the largest job cut in Meta’s history. The layoffs are reportedly being considered as the company continues to allocate billions of dollars toward its expanding AI initiatives and technological infrastructure.

Meta has been significantly strengthening its AI capabilities through new divisions and talent acquisitions. The company established its Superintelligence Labs division to focus on advanced artificial intelligence development, appointing Alexandr Wang to lead the unit after acquiring his startup Scale AI in a multibillion-dollar deal. The company has also outlined plans to invest up to $600 billion in AI infrastructure by 2028.

Mark Zuckerberg has previously indicated that rapid advances in AI technology are transforming productivity in the tech industry. According to his remarks, tasks that previously required large teams can now be completed by a smaller number of highly skilled individuals, which is reshaping the structure of technology companies and their workforce requirements.

Despite the reports of large-scale layoffs, Meta has said that discussions around the proposed job cuts remain speculative and no final decision has been announced. The developments come amid intensifying competition in the global AI race, as technology firms continue to expand investments in artificial intelligence while reassessing workforce structures.