Meta Considers Major Layoffs as AI Takes Centre Stage

Meta Considers Major Layoffs as AI Takes Centre Stage

Meta Platforms is reportedly considering a significant reduction in its workforce as the technology giant grapples with the rising cost of building artificial intelligence infrastructure.

According to a report by Reuters, the company could cut more than 20 per cent of its employees as part of a broader effort to streamline operations and reposition itself for a future increasingly driven by AI-powered systems.

Sources familiar with the discussions said senior executives have asked top managers across the organisation to begin planning how staff reductions could be implemented as the company shifts toward AI-assisted workflows.

However, the sources noted that no final decision has been made on the exact number of jobs that could be affected, and there is currently no specific timeline for the potential layoffs.

Reacting to the report, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone described the claims as speculative.

“This is speculative reporting about theoretical approaches,” Stone said when contacted by Reuters.

If implemented, the move would represent the company’s largest workforce reduction since the sweeping restructuring carried out between 2022 and 2023.

Regulatory filings show that Meta had nearly 79,000 employees as of December 31.

The company has in recent years intensified its push into artificial intelligence, with Mark Zuckerberg repeatedly emphasising the need for advanced AI tools that can deliver measurable business outcomes.

In June 2025, the social media giant announced plans to fully automate its advertising operations using artificial intelligence by the end of 2026.

Zuckerberg said the goal is to build an integrated AI-driven advertising platform where businesses can simply set objectives and budgets while the system manages campaign delivery and optimisation.

Earlier, in January 2025, Meta disclosed plans to lay off about five per cent of its workforce, citing underperformance among some employees.

Industry analysts say the company’s latest deliberations reflect the broader shift among global technology firms toward heavy investments in AI infrastructure while seeking to reduce operational costs elsewhere.