Meta workforce cuts and policy shifts as AI push accelerates
Meta Platforms, Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Reality Labs, announced a plan to reduce its global staff by about five percent, equating to roughly 3,600 roles. The move comes as the company signals a busy year centered on advancing artificial intelligence technologies and next generation smart glasses. The reductions are expected to hit mainly lower performing employees. By late September Meta reported a workforce of about 72,400 people, reflecting a sizable share of its North American and international operations. Source: Meta internal communications.
In addition, Meta will end its fact checking program and replace it with a user based system, and it will eliminate a number of diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The decision, described by Mark Zuckerberg in a note, is tied to preparations for the upcoming US presidential election and is framed as a cultural turning point. Dismissed employees will receive severance pay.
Meta Platforms, Inc. is an American multinational technology holding company headquartered in Menlo Park, California. It is the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Reality Labs. The company sits among the world’s leading technology firms, with other giants like Amazon, Alphabet, Apple and Microsoft remaining highly valuable players in the sector. North American markets and global investors monitor these shifts closely.