Meta AI layoffs: 600 jobs cut in major division restructuring

New York: Facebook parent company Meta is cutting around 600 jobs in its artificial intelligence division as part of efforts to streamline operations following an expansive hiring spree, according to reports from The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

The layoffs will not impact the TBD Lab, a unit created and led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, which has grown rapidly by attracting top AI talent from competitors like OpenAI and Apple with lucrative compensation packages. Instead, the job cuts will target teams working on AI products and infrastructure, as Meta seeks to improve efficiency while maintaining progress on its most advanced projects.

The Wall Street Journal reported that some affected employees may be reassigned to other roles within the company. The New York Times described the move as an attempt to eliminate “organisational bloat” that resulted from heavy recruitment to accelerate Meta’s AI initiatives.

In a memo cited by both outlets, Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang reportedly told staff that the restructuring would allow for faster decision-making, stating that “fewer conversations will be required to make a decision.”

Meta has not commented publicly on the reports or responded to media inquiries on the matter.

With inputs from AFP