Meta Cuts 600 AI Division Jobs in Strategic Streamlining After Hiring Surge

The artificial intelligence division at Meta is facing a reduction of 600 positions as part of an effort to optimize operations following a significant hiring initiative.

United States:

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is reducing its workforce by 600 positions within its artificial intelligence sector, according to multiple American media outlets reporting on Wednesday. This decision aims to enhance operational efficiency after a period of substantial recruitment.

Reports from the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and other publications indicate that these workforce reductions will not impact the TBD Lab, which was established under Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's direction.

The laboratory rapidly expanded its talent pool by recruiting top researchers from competitors such as OpenAI and Apple, offering them substantial compensation packages.

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Instead, the workforce reductions will focus on teams dedicated to artificial intelligence products and infrastructure, with the objective of increasing efficiency while maintaining momentum on Meta's most ambitious projects. According to the Wall Street Journal, many affected employees might be reassigned to different positions within the company.

The New York Times characterized the job cuts as a response to "organizational bloat" that developed during the aggressive recruitment phase for the AI initiative.

Both publications cited a memo from Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang stating that the restructuring would result in "fewer conversations will be required to make a decision."

Meta did not provide a response when AFP inquired about the matter.