Sources indicate that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has begun a series of targeted layoffs affecting several key divisions, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Reality Labs. Unlike previous broad workforce reductions, these job cuts seem to be more selective, linked to restructuring efforts within specific departments rather than a widespread downsizing initiative.
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Evidence of these layoffs has emerged on social media, with affected employees sharing their experiences. One prominent figure impacted is Jane Manchun Wong, a former member of the Threads team, recognized for her ability to uncover and report on upcoming app features before their official announcements.
Meta spokesperson Dave Arnold explained to The Verge:
“Today, a few teams at Meta are making changes to ensure resources are aligned with their long-term strategic goals and location strategy. This includes moving some teams to different locations and moving some employees to different roles. In situations like this, when a role is eliminated, we work hard to find other opportunities for impacted employees.”
This latest round of layoffs follows earlier staffing adjustments within the company, particularly within the Reality Labs division, which experienced a modest reduction in its workforce earlier this year. The first major layoff at Meta occurred in 2022, when the company laid off 11,000 employees due to an overly optimistic outlook on growth prospects following the COVID-19 pandemic.
