JAKARTA – Meta Platforms is preparing to carry out the first wave of large layoffs on May 20, 2026. This program, as part of a broader restructuring to accelerate artificial intelligence-based transformation.
According to a source familiar with the plans, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram will cut about 10 percent of its global workforce, equivalent to nearly 8,000 employees, in the initial phase.
This step is not expected to be the end. Meta is said to be preparing a wave of further layoffs in the second half of 2026, although the details of the number and time can still change as AI technology develops.
A Big Push Toward AI
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is pouring massive investments – even hundreds of billions of dollars – into rebuilding the foundation of the artificial intelligence-based company. This strategy reflects a broader trend in the technology industry, where operational efficiency is increasingly dependent on automation and AI.
Internal restructuring is also underway. Meta is moving a number of engineers to a new unit called “Applied AI”, which focuses on developing AI agents capable of writing code and running complex tasks autonomously. In addition, some employees were transferred to the newly formed Meta Small Business division.
Waves of layoffs in the Technology Industry
Meta’s move is not an isolated case. Amazon previously cut around 30,000 corporate employees, while fintech company Block even reduced almost half of its workforce. In both cases, AI-based efficiency was the main reason.
Data from industry tracking sites show more than 73,000 tech workers have lost their jobs through 2026, approaching half of the total layoffs through 2024.
More “Ramping”, More Automatic
Unlike the major restructuring in 2022-2023 dubbed “year of efficiency”, Meta’s current financial condition is relatively stable. The company recorded revenue of more than 200 billion US dollars and profits of around 60 billion dollars last year.
However, the direction of its strategy is clearly changing. Meta envisions a leaner organizational structure, with fewer management layers and roles increasingly supported by AI.
With nearly 79,000 employees as of the end of 2025, this layoff is one of the most significant in the company’s history.
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