Meta Platforms is reportedly preparing to lay off about 8,000 employees globally as part of a new wave of workforce reductions tied to its growing investment in artificial intelligence.
According to reports, the job cuts—representing roughly 10 percent of the company’s workforce—are expected to begin on May 20, although the company has not officially confirmed the plans.
Additional layoffs could follow later in the year, depending on how the company’s AI-driven restructuring evolves.
The move reflects a broader shift across the tech industry, where companies are increasingly using artificial intelligence to streamline operations and reduce reliance on large teams.
Snap Inc. recently announced plans to cut about 1,000 jobs, citing efficiency gains from AI, while Amazon has reduced its corporate workforce by around 30,000 employees. Fintech firm Block Inc. has also implemented significant layoffs linked to AI-driven productivity improvements.
Data from Layoffs.fyi shows that more than 73,000 tech workers have lost their jobs globally in 2026 so far.
Meta’s planned cuts would mark its most significant workforce reduction since the 2022–2023 “year of efficiency,” when it eliminated about 21,000 roles. Unlike that period, the company is currently in a stronger financial position, having reported over $200 billion in revenue in 2024.
Executives are said to be aiming for a leaner organisational structure with fewer management layers, supported by AI systems handling an increasing share of operations.
