Meta is reportedly planning to lay off at least 10 per cent of its global workforce next month, with further cuts likely later in 2026, as the technology sector faces a renewed wave of job losses tied to artificial intelligence-led restructuring and post-pandemic corrections.
Planned Cuts Could Affect Thousands
According to a Reuters report cited in the material, the US technology company, formerly Facebook, may cut nearly 8,000 jobs in the initial round expected next month. The first phase in May is likely to reduce about 10 per cent of Meta’s global workforce.
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The report said further layoffs are planned in the second half of the year, although the details have not yet been known. It also said the company could eventually cut 20 per cent or more of its workforce. Based on Meta’s workforce of nearly 79,000 as of December 31, that level of reduction could affect roughly 16,000 employees.
Company Yet to Confirm Report
Meta has not confirmed the layoff plans. The Mark Zuckerberg-led company did not immediately comment on the report, according to the material in the screenshots.
The reported plans are said to depend in part on developments in artificial intelligence capabilities, suggesting that the pace and scale of the cuts may be influenced by how quickly AI-driven changes reshape the company’s operations.
Tech Industry Job Losses Gather Pace
The screenshots say global technology layoffs are accelerating in 2026, with more than 80,000 jobs already cut in the first quarter and total losses likely to exceed 3 lakh this year. A report by TradingPlatforms said the current wave builds on a broader post-pandemic correction, with more than one million tech jobs lost globally since 2021 as companies recalibrate hiring after the Covid-era expansion.
Artificial intelligence and automation have emerged as major drivers of that shift, with nearly half of all layoffs in 2026 linked to AI-related restructuring, according to the report. The United States is described as the worst-hit market, accounting for nearly 77 per cent of global layoffs so far this year, with more than 61,000 job cuts across 62 companies.
Among individual companies, Oracle is reported to have recorded the highest number of layoffs globally in 2026, cutting more than 25,000 roles as part of restructuring tied to its AI infrastructure push. Amazon followed with around 16,000 job cuts amid efforts to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
