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Meta Platforms, Inc. parent of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp has initiated cutting its jobs based on its layoffs strategy. As per the report 3,000 staff members which is about 5% of the firm's employees are targeted in this exercise. "Performance terminations" are said to target the weakest links of the workforce.
Although it lays off employees, Meta Platforms continues hiring AI and machine learning engineers in large numbers for the acceleration of its artificial intelligence endeavors.
Layoff notices have started coming into effect from 5 AM PST and will run until February 18 in multiple regions. German, French, Italian, and Dutch employees will be exempt from the layoffs owing to labor laws in these localities. Several workers in a number of European, Asian, and African countries will be laid off during this week.
Unlike previous layoffs, Meta’s offices will remain open, and no company-wide statement has been issued. Meta's Head of People, Janelle Gale, confirmed the company is advancing with the expected job cuts and that daily operations will not be affected.
The Vice President of Engineering for Monetization Peng Fan has invited employees to cooperate in recruiting more AI and machine learning experts. The hiring process for these roles will be accelerated between February 11 and March 13.
Meta layoffs reflect the larger trend happening in the technology industry. Many of the huge companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have also let go of several employees this year 2025. Google introduced a voluntary exit program for its Platforms and Devices team, affecting Android and Pixel employees.
Microsoft has increased its performance-based lay-offs, an action that reports have it leaving its employees with no severance package. More than that, Amazon has laid off approximately 200 positions in fashion and fitness in the organization process of North American stores business.
The Meta layoffs are an indicator of the wider focus on AI development that the Chief Executive Officer, Mark Zuckerberg, has expressed as part of his long-term vision to transform the company for the better. In January, Zuckerberg said that Meta would push more toward artificial intelligence this year. He stated this because the area was supposed to expand the company through to 2025 and further.
Meta still pushes for innovation, though it reduces the workforce, thereby giving way to AI-driven innovations. The restructuring is still in balance as the company continues with its push in machine learning and automation.
