Mark Zuckerberg Declares AI 'Most Consequential Technology' While Meta Cuts 8,000 Jobs

Meta has cut 8,000 positions from its workforce—representing 10% of the company—in a sweeping reorganization aimed at positioning the tech giant for the artificial intelligence era. The layoffs took effect on Wednesday, May 20, with an additional 7,000 employees being reassigned to focus on AI-related projects.

In a company-wide memo obtained by the New York Times, founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg framed the move as essential for the company's future. "Success isn't a given," he wrote. "The companies that lead the way will define the next generation."

Zuckerberg acknowledged the human cost of the decision, telling employees that "it's always sad to say goodbye to people who have contributed to our mission and to building this company," according to CNBC. He extended his "gratitude to everyone leaving today for all of the hard work you've put into serving our community."

The CEO also highlighted the company's broader vision for restructuring, emphasizing that the organization is "transforming our company to make sure it will always be the best place for talented people to have the greatest impact." He noted that staff have expressed appreciation for "the ability to take greater ownership and execute their vision with less bureaucracy and management to navigate."

Janelle Gale, Meta's head of human resources, instructed employees to work remotely throughout the week, per the New York Times report.

The company had signaled these changes in April, explaining that the job reductions would help fund investments in priority areas, particularly artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, some Meta employees have taken issue with the company's recent deployment of mouse-tracking software on work computers, with several signing a petition opposing the measure.