Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 24, Meta is set to implement layoffs that will affect its Facebook Artificial Intelligence Research (FAIR) team, as well as groups involved in product-related AI development and AI infrastructure, according to a company memo reported by Axios.

However, the newly formed TBD Lab, which consists of “a few dozen” researchers and engineers focused on building the company’s next-generation foundation models, will remain unaffected by the cuts.

Meta’s Chief AI Officer, Alexandr Wang, stated that reducing team size would help simplify decision-making processes and enhance the “responsibility, scope, and impact” of each role. He added that affected employees are being encouraged to apply for other available positions within the company.

The layoffs coincide with Meta’s confirmation of a joint venture with Blue Owl Capital to fund the development, construction, and operation of the Hyperion data center campus in Richland Parish, Louisiana. The partnership underscores Meta’s ongoing investment in its data infrastructure to support the growth of artificial intelligence and digital services.

Industry reports indicate that workforce reductions remain widespread across the technology and telecommunications sectors in 2025. Earlier this year, Capacity reported that over 26,000 employees had been laid off industrywide, signaling continued adjustments as companies restructure operations and focus on emerging priorities.

In the same period, Meta also reduced its workforce by approximately 3,600 employees, according to data compiled by RationalFX. The latest round of layoffs reflects the company’s effort to align resources more closely with strategic objectives, particularly in advancing AI capabilities and maintaining operational efficiency.

While the company did not disclose the total number of affected employees in this latest move, the restructuring appears to target overlapping functions and areas deemed less central to Meta’s long-term AI roadmap. FAIR, known for its pioneering work in AI research, has contributed significantly to the company’s advancements in machine learning and generative technologies.

The decision to preserve the TBD Lab highlights Meta’s focus on developing large-scale foundation models that are expected to play a crucial role in future AI applications across its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

Meta’s continued investment in data centers and next-generation AI systems suggests a strategic balance between cost management and technological innovation. The company’s reorganization aims to improve efficiency while maintaining momentum in high-priority research and infrastructure initiatives.

Overall, the layoffs represent part of Meta’s broader restructuring strategy as it refines its operational focus, expands data capabilities through the Hyperion project, and strengthens its position in the competitive AI landscape.