Meta Weighs Further Layoffs Amidst AI Investment Shift

Facebook parent company Meta Platforms is reportedly considering a fresh round of layoffs impacting 20% or more of its global workforce, as the tech giant navigates a costly transition towards artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and seeks increased efficiency through AI-assisted operations. The potential cuts, which could affect approximately 15,800 employees, follow a series of previous reductions and reflect a broader trend of restructuring within the technology sector.

AI Investment Drives Restructuring

According to sources cited by RTÉ and Silicon Republic, Meta’s strategic shift is driven by substantial investments in AI. The company plans to invest heavily in data centers, with projections reaching $600 billion by 2028, to support its AI initiatives. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has indicated that AI tools are already enhancing efficiency, allowing smaller teams to accomplish tasks previously requiring larger workforces. This suggests the potential layoffs are not solely about cost-cutting, but also about adapting to a future where AI plays a more prominent role in operations.

Previous Layoff Rounds

Meta has already undertaken significant workforce reductions in recent years. In January 2025, the company cut 5% of its global staff, targeting what it termed “lowest performers.” Further cuts followed, including 600 jobs from its AI division, Superintelligence Labs, in October of the same year. Prior to that, Meta reduced its headcount by 11,000 in 2022 and 10,000 in 2023. Irish-based staff were impacted in these earlier rounds, with approximately 840 jobs cut in Ireland between November 2022 and May 2023. Headcount in Ireland experienced a 20% reduction in 2024, following an 18% decline in 2023. As of early 2025, Meta employed around 2,000 people in Ireland, a number that has since decreased by approximately 300.

Impact on Irish Operations

Meta employs approximately 1,800 people in Ireland. The extent to which the potential global layoffs will affect its Irish operations remains unclear. A Meta Ireland spokesperson described reports of the cuts as “speculative reporting about theoretical approaches.”

Broader Tech Industry Trend

Meta’s potential layoffs are part of a wider trend within the technology industry. Amazon confirmed in January 2026 that it would cut 16,000 jobs globally, impacting around 300 roles in Ireland. Financial technology company Block also recently cut nearly half of its staff, with CEO Jack Dorsey citing the increasing capabilities of AI tools as a factor in enabling companies to achieve more with smaller teams.

Meta’s Financial Position

As of December 31, 2024, Meta employed nearly 79,000 people worldwide. The company anticipates total expenses for the year could reach $135 billion, largely driven by investments in Superintelligence Labs and its core business.