Meta layoffs: 16,000 jobs on the line as Mark Zuckerberg plans major cuts in looming workforce shake-up

Meta layoffs: A fresh wave of job cuts could soon hit the tech world. Meta Platforms is reportedly preparing for a major restructuring that may impact thousands of employees. The move signals a deeper shift as the company doubles down on artificial intelligence. For workers, it marks another uncertain chapter in an already turbulent year for tech jobs.

Reports from Reuters indicate that Meta Platforms is preparing to lay off roughly 16,000 employees in the coming months. The first phase alone could affect about 8,000 workers, with cuts expected to begin around May 20.




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Why is Meta planning layoffs now?

The restructuring comes as CEO Mark Zuckerberg continues to steer the company toward artificial intelligence. Over the past year, he has repeatedly highlighted ambitions to lead in AI, from generative tools to the infrastructure needed for large-scale machine learning systems.

The reported layoffs suggest a shift in priorities, with the company reshaping its workforce to align with a more automated future.

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How large could the job cuts be?

According to earlier reporting by Reuters, the cuts could extend further, potentially reaching 20% or more of Meta’s global workforce. Additional layoffs are expected later in the year.

As of December 31, the California-based company employed nearly 79,000 people. If the projections hold, this would mark one of the most significant restructuring efforts in the company’s history.

What’s happening across the tech industry?

Meta’s move is part of a broader trend. Data from Layoffs. fyi shows that 73,212 employees have already lost their jobs this year across the tech sector.

Other companies are making similar cuts. The Walt Disney Company has announced plans to lay off up to 1,000 employees across divisions, with CEO Josh D’Amaro confirming the move. Within Marvel Studios, around 8% of the workforce is expected to be affected.

Meanwhile, Oracle Corporation has reportedly laid off about 30,000 employees. The layoffs come with a strict requirement that workers must complete paperwork via DocuSign before receiving severance benefits.

The scale and timing of these job cuts underline a larger shift in the industry. As companies invest heavily in AI and automation, workforce structures are being reshaped, often at the cost of thousands of jobs.



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FAQs

How many jobs could Meta cut?

Around 16,000 roles may be affected in phases.

When will layoffs begin?

The first phase is expected to start on May 20.