Meta Cuts 600 AI Jobs in Shock Move, Zuckerberg Stresses Future
UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, Meta has laid off approximately 600 engineers from its Artificial Intelligence (AI) division, a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the tech industry. The layoffs, announced on October 22, 2025, impact several critical teams, including the renowned Fundamental Artificial Intelligence Research (FAIR) group and product AI sectors.
Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang communicated this decision internally, emphasizing that the restructuring aims to streamline Meta’s rapidly expanding AI operations. Despite these cuts, CEO Mark Zuckerberg asserted that AI remains “core to Meta’s future,” pledging continued investment in advanced machine learning and superintelligence endeavors.
The layoffs, part of a broader reorganization, raise urgent questions about the future of AI at Meta. Affected teams include those responsible for early breakthroughs in AI models and essential infrastructure systems. In an internal memo, Wang expressed a commitment to “streamline decision-making and increase the impact of individual roles.” Employees impacted by the layoffs are encouraged to explore other roles within the company, indicating a potential reassignment strategy rather than outright termination.
Notably, the recently established TBD Lab, focused on long-term AI innovation and superintelligence research, remains untouched by these cuts. The layoffs come just months after a significant internal overhaul of Meta’s AI operations, which saw Zuckerberg split the Superintelligence Labs into four dedicated sub-units aimed at enhancing collaboration and accelerating product development.
Despite these efforts, internal reports suggest growing tensions within the AI organization, with some employees voicing frustrations over overlapping roles and vague responsibilities. Earlier this year, Meta had already paused hiring for certain AI roles as part of its broader “year of efficiency,” which previously resulted in around 4,000 global job cuts in February.
Industry analysts view Meta’s decision as a recalibration rather than a withdrawal from AI investment. The company has invested billions over the past year in high-performance chips and data centers, hiring top AI talent. However, executives are now under pressure to focus resources on areas directly tied to product performance amid rising costs following significant infrastructure spending.
This restructuring aligns with a broader trend in Silicon Valley, where major firms are trimming non-core roles while doubling down on high-value AI development. The layoffs have sparked strong reactions from both Meta employees and the tech community, with some staff expressing discontent on social media over management inconsistencies and shifting priorities.
Despite these challenges, Meta insists its commitment to AI remains unwavering. Zuckerberg reaffirmed that the company aims to “build the most advanced AI systems in the world,” emphasizing ongoing efforts in generative AI and superintelligence research.
The AI job market is rapidly changing. While demand for skilled engineers remains high, companies are becoming increasingly selective about which positions align with their strategic priorities. Similar layoffs have been observed at tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, all navigating the dual pressures of headcount reduction and increased AI investment.
As Meta repositions itself for future challenges, the focus will likely shift toward consolidating its AI units in preparation for upcoming model rollouts and continued competition with industry leaders like OpenAI. The company maintains that its dedication to developing superintelligent systems is “stronger than ever,” even amid these significant cuts.
As this story develops, the tech community will be watching closely to see how Meta’s restructuring affects its future in the AI landscape.
