Meta Plans to Cut Up to 20% of Its Workforce

Meta is reportedly planning to make significant cuts to its workforce as a way to balance its investments in AI and data centers. Insiders indicate that the company might lay off up to 20 percent of its employees, which translates to around 15,800 jobs. This would mark the largest wave of layoffs since the company let go of 22,000 workers in a series of cuts from late 2022 to early 2023.

This news comes on the heels of Meta’s decision to pivot away from its focus on VR and the Metaverse, leading to budget reductions and the closure of several studios. Instead, the company is channeling resources into attracting AI talent, expanding its data center capabilities, and acquiring firms like Moltbook.

Throughout this transition, Meta has faced scrutiny over its smart glasses, chatbots, and their effects on younger users. When approached for a statement, a Meta spokesperson described the reports as “speculative reporting about theoretical approaches.”

Update March 14th: Added comment from Meta.