Meta Platforms, Inc. has confirmed the layoff of 8,000 employees, which constitutes about 10% of its total workforce, as part of a strategic shift towards artificial intelligence (AI). CEO Mark Zuckerberg communicated this decision in a memo, highlighting the need to reduce headcount to facilitate investments in AI technologies. The layoffs and transfers will impact approximately 20% of Meta's workforce, making this one of the largest cost-cutting measures in the company's history. Alongside the layoffs, 7,000 employees will be reassigned to new roles focused on developing AI tools and applications. Zuckerberg reassured employees that no further company-wide layoffs are expected this year. He acknowledged the significant implications of AI, stating, 'Success isn't a given. The companies that lead the way will define the next generation.' Additionally, Meta has earmarked between $115 billion and $135 billion for capital spending in 2026 to bolster its AI initiatives, which is a substantial increase from previous expenditures. Employees have expressed their concerns and experiences regarding the layoffs on social media, reflecting the broader anxieties about AI's impact on employment in the tech industry.