Meta is Firing Employees From WhatsApp, Instagram, and Other Divisions

Sources close to the matter reveal that Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, has initiated a series of targeted layoffs affecting several of its prominent divisions. The job cuts are reportedly impacting teams at WhatsApp, Instagram, and Reality Labs.

Unlike previous large-scale workforce reductions, this round of layoffs appears to be more selective. Insiders suggest that the cuts are linked to ongoing restructuring efforts within specific departments rather than a sweeping, company-wide downsizing initiative.

Evidence of these job losses has begun to surface on social media platforms, with affected employees sharing their experiences. One notable casualty is Jane Manchun Wong, a former member of the Threads team. Wong, who joined Meta in 2023, had previously gained recognition for her ability to uncover and report on upcoming app features before their official announcements.

Meta spokesperson Dave Arnold told 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.

The latest wave of job cuts at Meta comes on the heels of earlier downsizing efforts within the company. Earlier this year, the tech giant’s Reality Labs division saw a modest reduction in its workforce, signaling the beginning of a more targeted approach to staffing adjustments.

The company’s first major layoff occurred in 2022 when it parted ways with 11,000 employees. This decision came as a response to what the company now acknowledges was an overly optimistic view of its growth prospects in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.