Meta is preparing a breakthrough in AI — but first fires 600 specialists

Meta plans to cut approximately 600 employees involved in projects related to artificial intelligence. According to Axios, citing an internal memo, the measure is aimed at reducing bureaucracy and increasing the flexibility of internal processes amid the company's large-scale investments in AI development.

According to sources, the layoffs will affect specialists working on AI infrastructure, fundamental research, and applied products. At the same time, Meta intends to transfer some employees to other positions within the corporation. A company representative confirmed the optimization information in a comment to CNBC.

Meanwhile, Meta continues to increase its presence in strategically important areas. Recruitment continues for the new TBD Lab division, which is developing "superintelligence" systems, clarifies The Verge.

In recent years, Meta has invested billions of dollars in the AI segment. In particular, in the summer of 2025, the company directed $14.3 billion to the startup Scale AI, after which its co-founder and CEO Alexander Wang was appointed as Meta's AI director.