Meta To Lay Off 10 Percent Of Workforce And Freeze 6,000 Jobs
Meta announced Wednesday it will cut about 10% of its global workforce and pause hiring for roughly 6,000 open roles, a decision that immediately puts thousands of jobs and key projects at risk.
Company leaders said the reductions will affect many teams and will be paired with a tighter review of new positions. Workers reacted with shock and concern on social media as managers begin direct notifications.
The episode traces back to a period of rapid hiring during the pandemic when ad revenue growth was strong, followed by a pullback in online advertising and pressure from investors for steadier profits. That combination forced many large tech firms to reassess head counts and costs.
The move follows a wave of cuts across major technology companies as they shift from aggressive expansion to efficiency. It is likely to reshape Meta's product priorities and workplace morale in the months ahead.
đ Key Facts
- Meta will lay off about 8,000 workers, or roughly 10 percent of staff, on May 20, 2026.
- The company will also not hire for 6,000 currently open roles.
- Meta has forecast up to $135 billion in 2026 capital expenditures, almost double what it spent last year, largely to fund AI data centers.
- Roughly 700 additional layoffs this month are tied to "right-sizing" its Reality Labs Metaverse division.
- A New Mexico jury found Meta failed to protect young users from child sexual exploitation, with possible penalties up to $375 million.
- A Los Angeles jury awarded $6 million after finding Meta and Google liable for a woman's childhood mental health problems linked to social media use.
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