Meta is laying off 3,600 employees, or 5% of its workforce, focusing on performance-based cuts to ensure the company retains the best talent. This move aligns with broader corporate changes, including closer ties to conservative figures and a shift in content moderation policies on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Meta is set to lay off 3,600 employees, representing 5% of its workforce, as part of performance-based cuts. The decision, confirmed by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is aimed at improving the company’s talent pool by swiftly removing low performers and bringing in new hires. This restructuring follows broader changes within Meta, including its closer ties to conservative figures. Zuckerberg has recently aligned more with right-leaning political voices and made notable political moves, including meeting with Donald Trump and nominating a Republican as Meta's head of public affairs.
These layoffs follow a similar move by Microsoft, which also implemented performance-based cuts affecting a smaller percentage of its workforce. Meta has faced growing scrutiny over its content moderation policies, particularly its decision to end its US fact-checking program, a move that had drawn criticism from conservative factions accusing the company of censorship. The company has also relaxed its content moderation standards on Facebook and Instagram, allowing for more leniency, particularly regarding hostile speech.
In addition to the changes in workforce and content policies, Meta has dialed back its diversity initiatives, signaling a shift in its corporate stance under the leadership of Zuckerberg, who continues to reshape Meta in response to changing political and social landscapes.
