Meta Platforms, Inc. will commence layoffs affecting approximately 8,000 employees, representing about 10% of its global workforce, starting on May 20. This decision, communicated in an internal memo by chief people officer Janelle Gale, aims to improve operational efficiency while significantly investing in artificial intelligence (AI) projects. Alongside the layoffs, Meta will also eliminate around 6,000 open positions, reflecting a broader pullback in hiring across the company. Employees affected by the layoffs will be notified via their work and personal email accounts, and the company has advised staff to update their personal contact information in internal systems. Severance packages for U.S. employees will include 16 weeks of base pay, plus an additional two weeks for each year of service, and healthcare costs will be covered through COBRA for up to 18 months. For employees outside the U.S., packages will vary based on local laws. The layoffs come as Meta increases its focus on AI, a trend seen across the tech sector, where companies are reallocating resources towards AI development while implementing cost-cutting measures in other areas. This marks one of the largest workforce reductions at Meta in recent years, leaving employees facing uncertainty until the notification date.