Meta has begun laying off around 8,000 employees worldwide as the company intensifies its transformation into an AI-focused technology giant, highlighting how artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the global tech workforce.
The layoffs, which affect nearly 10 per cent of Meta’s workforce, started rolling out across multiple countries this week, including Singapore, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Employees reportedly received notification emails during early morning hours in their respective time zones.
The company, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is simultaneously restructuring thousands of remaining employees into new artificial intelligence divisions as part of a broader AI expansion strategy led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
According to reports, another 7,000 workers are being reassigned to AI-related initiatives, including a newly created Applied AI and Engineering division focused on developing next-generation AI tools and systems.
Employees face uncertainty as AI restructuring deepens
The atmosphere inside Meta has reportedly become tense in recent weeks, with employees preparing for layoffs after internal announcements in April warned of major workforce reductions linked to the company’s AI transformation plans.
Workers exchanged messages online as the cuts unfolded, while many reportedly checked internal company directories to determine which colleagues had lost their jobs. Employees also used salad emojis internally as a symbolic way of saluting departing coworkers.
Reports indicate that some employees hired only weeks ago were also impacted by the layoffs.
Meta’s offices remained largely empty during the process after senior management encouraged employees to work remotely during the restructuring period.
AI investments surge despite strong profits
The job cuts come even as Meta continues to report strong financial performance. The company recently announced record revenues, prompting internal questions among some employees about why layoffs were necessary.
At the same time, Zuckerberg has committed enormous resources toward artificial intelligence development. Meta recently revealed plans to spend between $125 billion and $145 billion this year, with much of the investment directed toward AI infrastructure, computing power, and advanced research.
Zuckerberg has repeatedly stated that Meta’s long-term goal is to build “superintelligence” — highly advanced AI systems capable of acting as powerful digital assistants and autonomous tools.
In a message to employees following the layoffs, Zuckerberg thanked affected workers for their contributions and described AI as “the most consequential technology of our lifetimes.”
He also reportedly indicated that no additional companywide layoffs are currently expected later this year.
Tech industry sees rising wave of AI-related job cuts
Meta is not alone in restructuring its workforce around artificial intelligence.
Several major technology companies have announced layoffs or workforce reductions in recent months as AI becomes central to business strategies. Cisco recently announced plans to cut thousands of jobs while redirecting investments toward AI operations.
Other firms including Microsoft, Block, and Coinbase have also introduced layoffs, buyouts, or restructuring tied to automation and AI initiatives.
The trend is increasingly raising concerns across the tech sector that employees are helping build systems that may eventually replace parts of their own roles.
Internal backlash grows over AI monitoring systems
Reports also suggest growing internal resistance among some Meta employees over new AI-related tracking programs.
More than 1,000 employees have reportedly signed an internal petition opposing a new data-monitoring initiative that would gather workplace information to train AI systems.
Some employees have publicly questioned how aggressively the company is moving toward automation, while others expressed concern about long-term job security as AI adoption accelerates.
Meta executives have acknowledged employee anxiety surrounding the changes. During an internal question-and-answer session, Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth reportedly admitted that many workers are deeply concerned about their future within the company.
To retain critical talent, Meta has also reportedly offered select senior employees substantial financial incentives and additional equity packages to remain with the company during the transition.
Employees affected by the layoffs are expected to receive severance packages that include 16 weeks of pay, plus additional compensation based on years of service.
Reported by Gold 101.3 FM, UAE’s No.1 Malayalam radio station.
