In Brief Posted: 9:28 AM PDT · March 14, 2026 Image Credits: Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto / Getty Images Anthony Ha Meta reportedly considering layoffs that could affect 20% of the company Meta is considering major layoffs that could affect 20% or more of the company’s workforce, according to Reuters . These layoffs could help the Facebook parent company offset its aggressive spending on AI infrastructure , as well as AI-related acquisitions and hiring . Meta employed nearly 79,000 people as of December 31, according to a recent filing. “This is speculative reporting about theoretical approaches,” a Meta spokesperson said in a statement. The report comes as many tech companies — most recently Block — have announced sweeping layoffs that they say are necessary as AI automates more work. But some pundits, and even executives like OpenAI’s Sam Altman , have suggested that many of these cuts are “ AI-washing ,” where executives use AI as cover for other issues , such as over-hiring during the pandemic. The last time Meta announced layoffs of this scale was in November 2022, when it cut 11,000 jobs , followed by another 10,000 in March 2023 . Topics AI , Meta , Social June 9 Boston, MA Actively scaling? Fundraising? Planning your next launch? TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 delivers tactical playbooks and direct access to 1,000+ founders and investors who are building, backing, and closing. Register by March 13 to save up to $300. REGISTER NOW Newsletters See More Subscribe for the industry’s biggest tech news TechCrunch Daily News Every weekday and Sunday, you can get the best of TechCrunch’s coverage. TechCrunch Mobility TechCrunch Mobility is your destination for transportation news and insight. Startups Weekly Startups are the core of TechCrunch, so get our best coverage delivered weekly. StrictlyVC Provides movers and shakers with the info they need to start their day. No newsletters selected. Subscribe By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . Related AI ‘Not built right the first time’ — Musk’s xAI is starting over again, again Tim Fernholz 18 hours ago AI The biggest AI stories of the year (so far) Amanda Silberling 22 hours ago Commerce Facebook Marketplace now lets Meta AI respond to buyers’ messages Aisha Malik 2 days ago Latest in Social In Brief Meta reportedly considering layoffs that could affect 20% of the company Anthony Ha 1 hour ago Social As people look for ways to make new friends, here are the apps promising to help Lauren Forristal 2 hours ago Social Digg lays off staff and shuts down app as company retools Sarah Perez 20 hours ago