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Meta Platforms has announced plans to cut around 8,000 jobs, representing roughly 10% of its global workforce, as the company redirects massive spending toward artificial intelligence infrastructure and development.
In internal communication shared with staff, the company also confirmed that about 6,000 additional open roles will remain unfilled as part of broader cost-saving measures.
The restructuring comes as Meta significantly increases investment in AI, with reports indicating planned spending could reach between $162 billion and $169 billion in 2026.
The company said the decision was driven by efficiency needs and the need to prioritise new areas of growth. A spokesperson confirmed the layoffs but declined to give further details.
Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg had earlier signalled that workforce changes were likely, saying that AI tools were already transforming productivity.
“I think that 2026 is going to be the year that AI starts to dramatically change the way that we work,” he said previously, noting that a single worker using AI could now perform tasks that once required entire teams.
Industry analysts have linked the cuts to a wider shift across the technology sector, where companies are reducing staff while increasing investment in automation and AI systems.
Alongside Meta’s announcement, Microsoft also confirmed a separate workforce reduction plan. The company said it would offer voluntary buyouts to approximately 7% of its US workforce, affecting about 8,750 employees.
According to internal communications reported by media outlets, Microsoft described the programme as a voluntary option designed to give eligible employees flexibility, while supporting broader organisational restructuring.
Microsoft, like Meta, is heavily investing in AI systems and cloud infrastructure. The company has spent billions expanding data centres and developing AI tools such as its Copilot assistant, which is integrated into its productivity software.
In both cases, executives have pointed to artificial intelligence as a key factor reshaping how work is structured, with fewer staff needed in certain roles as automation becomes more capable.
The restructuring comes as Meta significantly increases investment in AI, with reports indicating planned spending could reach between $162 billion and $169 billion in 2026.
The company said the decision was driven by efficiency needs and the need to prioritise new areas of growth. A spokesperson confirmed the layoffs but declined to give further details.
Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg had earlier signalled that workforce changes were likely, saying that AI tools were already transforming productivity.
“I think that 2026 is going to be the year that AI starts to dramatically change the way that we work,” he said previously, noting that a single worker using AI could now perform tasks that once required entire teams.
Industry analysts have linked the cuts to a wider shift across the technology sector, where companies are reducing staff while increasing investment in automation and AI systems.
Alongside Meta’s announcement, Microsoft also confirmed a separate workforce reduction plan. The company said it would offer voluntary buyouts to approximately 7% of its US workforce, affecting about 8,750 employees.
According to internal communications reported by media outlets, Microsoft described the programme as a voluntary option designed to give eligible employees flexibility, while supporting broader organisational restructuring.
Microsoft, like Meta, is heavily investing in AI systems and cloud infrastructure. The company has spent billions expanding data centres and developing AI tools such as its Copilot assistant, which is integrated into its productivity software.
In both cases, executives have pointed to artificial intelligence as a key factor reshaping how work is structured, with fewer staff needed in certain roles as automation becomes more capable.