Meta Platforms Inc. has announced plans to cut about 8,000 jobs, representing roughly 10% of its global workforce, as the company accelerates spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure and restructuring efforts.
The layoffs were communicated to employees in an internal memo, which said the move is part of a broader effort to improve efficiency and reallocate resources toward major investments in AI systems.
According to the memo, the job reductions will begin on May 20, 2026, and the company will also avoid filling around 6,000 open roles.
A Meta spokesperson confirmed the restructuring plans, stating:
“We’re doing this as part of our continued effort to run the company more efficiently and to allow us to offset the other investments we’re making.”
Chief People Officer Janelle Gale, in a message to staff, acknowledged the impact of the decision on employees:
“This is not an easy tradeoff, and it will mean letting go of people who have made meaningful contributions to Meta during their time here.”
She added that the company felt the move was necessary “given the circumstances”, as it balances workforce size with rising costs tied to AI expansion.
Meta has been significantly increasing its capital spending on artificial intelligence, with analysts estimating tens of billions of dollars allocated toward data centres, AI model development, and infrastructure upgrades.
The latest cuts follow a wider trend across the tech industry, where major firms are reducing headcount while investing heavily in AI capabilities and automation tools.
Meta said affected employees will receive severance packages, benefits continuation, and career transition support as part of the layoff process.
Related:
- Meta Launches New AI Model Amid Ongoing Spending Drive
- Snapchat Cuts 1,000 Jobs Amid AI Push For Profitability
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