Meta has begun a new round of layoffs , cutting around 3,600 jobs worldwide in what it calls “performance terminations.” Employees in the US were the first to receive notifications early on Monday, according to Forbes.
The layoffs, which affect 5% of Meta’s workforce, will roll out over the next few days, as Meta will be focusing more on utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Employees in Europe, Asia, and Africa will be notified in the coming weeks. Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands are exempt from the cuts due to local labor regulations, according to Reuters.
Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg previously outlined the company’s strategy to remove low performers while keeping top talent. It is another step in Meta’s restructuring efforts, which began with mass layoffs in 2022 and 2023.
Despite the cuts, Meta is actively hiring in machine learning and engineering roles. An internal memo from VP of Engineering for Monetization Peng Fan revealed plans for accelerated hiring between February 11 and March 13 for these positions.
The shift highlights Meta’s push into AI and emerging technologies. Zuckerberg has pointed to AI, smart glasses, and the future of social media as key priorities.
The news follows similar trends at Microsoft, which recently cut 1,900 gaming jobs after acquiring “Activision Blizzard.”
Both companies are shifting hiring strategies, moving away from broad expansion toward targeted recruitment in high-priority areas.
Meta’s latest layoffs signal a strategic realignment in Silicon Valley, as tech giants navigate the balance between cost-cutting and innovation.