Meta lays off 'hundreds' across wearables, ads divisions

25th Mar 2026 15:02

(Sharecast News) - Meta Platforms has reportedly laid off hundreds of people across its wearables and advertising divisions, which is thought to be the start of the biggest round of lay-offs in the Facebook owner's history as it continues to invest heavily in AI.

According to Business Insider, citing people familiar with the matter and LinkedIn posts from Meta staffers, the company instructed certain members of the Reality Labs and ads businesses on Tuesday evening to work from home the following day, pending further details.

The move is part of plans to cut "hundreds of employees" across the business, including its Facebook, recruitment and sales operations worldwide, according to various other media reports.

A Reuters report earlier this month suggested that up to 20% of Meta's 79,000 headcount could be eliminated, with at least 15,000 roles set to go. That's more than the 11,000 jobs shed in late-2022.

The latest moves are thought to be part of a wider effort to counteract AI-related spending, though this has not been confirmed by the company. Some $115bn to $135bn is expected to be spent by Meta on AI infrastructure across 2026, around double the amount spent in 2025.

Meta's shares were up 1% at $598.85 by 1629 GMT.