Meta Announces Layoffs Amid Push for AI Talent

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META), the parent company of Facebook, is set to conduct company-wide layoffs next week while accelerating hiring for machine learning engineers, according to internal memos seen by staff and reported by Reuters.

The layoffs will begin at 5 a.m. local time on Monday, impacting employees across multiple countries, including the United States. Janelle Gale, Meta’s Head of People, confirmed in an internal post that affected employees will receive notifications early in the day.

However, workers in Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands are exempt from these cuts due to local labor regulations. Meanwhile, employees in over a dozen countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa will receive layoff notices between February 11 and February 18.

Meta’s decision aligns with its strategic focus on AI and machine learning, as the company looks to strengthen its workforce in these areas. This move comes amid ongoing restructuring efforts to enhance efficiency and innovation.

The layoffs reflect a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies are optimizing operations while investing heavily in artificial intelligence. Despite workforce reductions, Meta remains committed to expanding its AI capabilities, reinforcing its competitive edge in the evolving digital landscape.