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Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta is announcing a performance-based layoff of 3.600 employees as part of a bold restructuring plan. With controversial changes, including the end of fact-checking and diversity programs, the company is seeking to realign its vision under the watchful eye of the world.
In an unexpected twist, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, took the corporate world by surprise by announcing yet another round of mass layoffs at its main companies, such as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.
The decision, which promises to impact thousands of workers, is seen as part of a bold strategy to reshape the future of the technology giant. But what is really behind such a drastic measure?
Layoffs and internal restructuring
According to information released by Bloomberg on Tuesday (14), Meta plans to lay off around 3.600 employees, equivalent to 5% of its workforce.
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These cuts will mainly affect professionals assessed as having “lower performance” by the company.
Meta, which employed approximately 72.400 people in September 2024, explained that these changes are part of a restructuring aimed at organizational efficiency.
In the memo sent to employees, Zuckerberg was direct in stating: “I decided to raise the level of performance management and remove lower performers more quickly [from the team].”
This statement reflects the executive's pragmatic stance in search of more solid results aligned with the company's new goals.
History of cuts and the 'year of efficiency'
This is not the first time that Meta has made significant cuts. In 2023, the company had already laid off thousands of employees, in a move that became known as the “year of efficiency”. At the time, Zuckerberg promised to transform the company’s structure to make it leaner and more competitive, especially after the financial impact of the pandemic.
Common practice among tech giants
Layoffs based on employee performance are not exclusive to Meta. Other giants in the sector have also adopted similar measures.
Microsoft recently announced cuts that affected less than 1% of its workforce, according to Business Insider.
These actions reflect a growing trend in Silicon Valley, where the quest for efficiency and innovation seems to justify downsizing.
Focus on strategic transformation
Meta's cuts aren't limited to performance issues. The company is undergoing a series of strategic changes that include ending controversial programs and initiatives.
Last week, Zuckerberg announced the end of the fact-checking program, who was responsible for combating the spread of misinformation on the company's platforms.
The measure generated criticism, especially from conservative groups, who considered the initiative a form of censorship.
In addition, Meta has ended projects aimed at promoting diversity in hiring. Content moderation rules have also been relaxed, now allowing insults and attacks directed at women and the LGBTQIA+ community.
These decisions are seen as aligned with the political views of Donald Trump, who will soon resume the presidency of the United States, and Elon Musk, a Trump ally and current owner of X (formerly Twitter).
Impacts on the future of Meta
Experts point out that Meta is entering a new phase, marked by controversial decisions and focused on adapting to a challenging political and economic environment.
By taking these measures, Zuckerberg is trying to position the company as a global leader in innovation, but he is also facing criticism about the social impacts of his decisions.
One of the major concerns raised by analysts and activists is the weakening of content moderation policies.
For many, the relaxation of these rules could open the way for an increase in hate speech and misinformation, issues that have already been widely debated in previous years.
Contributors and global reactions
While Zuckerberg's decisions are justified from an efficiency perspective, the impact on Meta's workers cannot be ignored.
The mass layoffs are expected to have a major impact on the lives of thousands of families, as well as raising discussions about labor practices in the technology sector.
Comparisons with other giants
While Meta moves forward with its restructuring, other giants such as Microsoft and Alphabet (owner of Google) also face their own challenges.
Although Meta is making more radical decisions, the sector as a whole seems to be moving towards a leaner, more profitability-oriented business model.
What to expect for the future of Meta?
The scenario outlined by the recent changes at Meta indicates that the company is betting big on a complete reformulation of its strategies.
However, the question remains: to what extent will these changes be enough to keep the tech giant relevant and innovative on the global stage?
With so many challenges ahead, including growing competition from platforms like TikTok and X, Meta will have to prove that its choices are more than simple cost-cutting measures.
Is Zuckerberg on the right path for the company's future, or could these decisions cost Meta's reputation dearly in the long run?
And you, do you think these changes could harm Meta or help the company reinvent itself? Leave your opinion in the comments!
