Meta to start laying off people from Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram teams, ramp up AI hiring

Meta Platforms, the tech giant behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is gearing up to issue layoff notices starting Monday at 5 AM local time. The cuts will target the lowest-performing 5 per cent of employees, labelled as ‘performance terminations.’  

Unlike past layoffs, Meta’s offices will remain open, and no company-wide announcement is expected. The move is part of a broader shift in strategy as the company redirects resources towards artificial intelligence (AI) development.

Layoffs to hit multiple regions

The job reductions will be global, although certain regions, including Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands, will be spared due to labour laws.  

Between February 11 and February 18, affected employees in over a dozen countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa will receive their termination notices. According to Meta’s Head of People, Janelle Gale, the notifications will begin early Monday in most regions.

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Despite these job losses, Meta is prioritising the recruitment of machine learning experts and other high-value roles. The company’s Vice President of Engineering for Monetisation, Peng Fan, revealed that the hiring process for AI-related positions will be accelerated over the next month. This highlights Meta’s ongoing commitment to expanding its AI capabilities in 2025.

Tech industry faces widespread layoffs

Meta’s move is part of a larger trend of job reductions across the tech sector. Major companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Stripe have also been trimming their workforces in 2025. Google has introduced a voluntary exit programme within its US Platforms and Devices team, which includes Android and Pixel divisions.  

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Microsoft has intensified its performance-based cuts, with some employees reportedly let go without severance.

Meanwhile, Amazon has laid off approximately 200 workers in its fashion and fitness divisions, realigning priorities within its North America Stores team.  

Stripe, a leading fintech firm, recently reduced its workforce by around 300 employees in its product, engineering, and operations departments. However, Stripe still aims to increase its total headcount by 17 per cent by the end of the year. Even Robinhood’s media arm, Sherwood, has implemented layoffs as part of a restructuring plan.

Meta’s shift towards AI

The recent layoffs reflect Meta’s evolving business strategy, with a renewed focus on artificial intelligence. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has previously emphasised the importance of AI in the company’s long-term vision.  

This shift aligns with broader industry trends, where tech companies are prioritising AI innovation to stay competitive.

As Meta prepares for these cuts, the company faces the dual challenge of balancing workforce reductions with the need to attract top AI talent. The outcome of these changes will likely shape the next phase of Meta’s growth and its position in the global tech landscape.