Meta is weighing major layoffs as it pours billions into AI

Meta is preparing for possible layoffs, with some managers asked to draw up cost-cutting plans as the company ramps up spending on AI infrastructure and talent. Reuters reported that as many as 20% of employees could be cut; with nearly 79,000 staff at the end of 2025, that would equal roughly 16,000 jobs.

That would be the largest reduction since the company cut 11,000 roles in 2022 and 10,000 in 2023. In January, Meta eliminated 1,500 positions in Reality Labs, and one person familiar with the company’s thinking said cuts could come as soon as a month. Meta spokesperson Andy Stone called it "speculative reporting about theoretical approaches." The potential reductions reflect a broader industry shift toward investing heavily in AI while trimming head count.

Recent moves by peers include Atlassian’s plan to cut roughly 1,600 positions and job reductions at Block.

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