Meta is reducing its artificial intelligence workforce by approximately 600 positions, according to U.S. media reports, as the tech giant streamlines operations following years of rapid expansion. The cuts primarily affect teams working on AI product development and infrastructure while sparing the high-profile TBD Lab – a specialized unit personally overseen by CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times report that affected employees may be redeployed to other divisions rather than laid off entirely. The TBD Lab, known for recruiting top AI researchers from competitors like OpenAI and Apple through lucrative compensation packages, remains untouched by the restructuring.
Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang outlined the rationale in an internal memo obtained by media outlets, stating the reorganization would reduce bureaucratic hurdles: "Fewer conversations will be required to make a decision." Analysts suggest the move reflects Meta's strategy to maintain momentum in developing advanced AI systems while addressing concerns about operational efficiency.
This workforce adjustment comes as major tech firms balance ambitious AI investments with investor demands for fiscal discipline. Industry observers will monitor how these changes affect Meta's race to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI) capabilities against rivals like Google and Microsoft.
