• Meta is eliminating approximately 600 roles within its Meta Superintelligence Labs division
  • The cuts represent the latest evolution in Meta's ongoing AI reorganization amid intense competition
  • The workforce reduction follows Meta's massive $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI and broader industry consolidation

Meta Platforms is proceeding with significant workforce reductions in its artificial intelligence division, cutting approximately 600 positions from its Meta Superintelligence Labs (MSL) according to people familiar with the matter. The move represents the latest chapter in Meta's ongoing efforts to streamline and refocus its AI operations as competition intensifies in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence landscape.

The layoffs come just months after Meta created the Superintelligence Labs in August 2025 as part of a major reorganization that divided the AI division into four distinct groups. That earlier restructuring, which occurred without immediate layoffs at the time, was driven by concerns that Meta was being outpaced by rivals like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg personally involved in recruitment efforts.

"The competitive dynamics in AI are forcing everyone to reassess their organizational structures," said one person briefed on the situation, who asked not to be identified discussing internal matters. "Even with massive investments, efficiency has become paramount."

Efforts to restructure Meta's AI operations have continued to evolve since the August reorganization. The company has been exploring the use of third-party AI models to power some of its products, according to people familiar with the discussions, which could potentially reduce the need for as large an in-house development team.

The current cuts affect roughly 600 positions out of the several thousand roles within Meta Superintelligence Labs. The division, which focuses on foundation models like the Llama series and superintelligence research, is led by Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang, who joined Meta as chief AI officer in June.

Meta's workforce reduction aligns with broader industry trends. The technology sector has experienced substantial layoffs throughout 2025, with more than 22,000 workers affected across various companies as of mid-year. July was particularly severe, with 16,142 employees laid off across the sector as companies increasingly prioritize investments in AI infrastructure and automation over maintaining large workforces.

The timing of these cuts is notable given Meta's recent massive bet on AI infrastructure. In June, the company invested $14.3 billion for a 49% stake in Scale AI, doubling the San Francisco startup's valuation. That investment, however, sparked an industry-wide backlash that led to major AI companies including Google, OpenAI, and Microsoft reducing or halting their business with Scale AI due to competitive concerns.

The fallout from that investment was swift. Scale AI itself laid off 200 full-time employees and ended contracts with 500 contractors in July, with the company's interim CEO citing excessive bureaucracy and the need to "win back customers that have slowed down work with us."

A Meta spokesperson declined to comment on the specific number of layoffs but acknowledged the company is "continuing to refine our AI organization to ensure we're positioned for long-term leadership in this critical space."

Employees affected by the cuts are being offered severance packages and outplacement services, according to people familiar with the matter. The layoffs come despite Meta offering some of the best compensation packages in tech history for top AI talent, highlighting the company's selective approach to talent management.

Without a more streamlined operation, Meta risks falling further behind in the AI race against well-funded competitors. The company's AI division had grown to thousands of people in recent years, creating organizational complexity that some executives believed was slowing decision-making.

As one industry analyst noted, "Meta is trying to balance massive AI investments with operational discipline. These cuts suggest they're not getting the returns they need from their current organizational structure."

The broader implications for Meta's AI strategy remain unclear. The company continues to invest heavily in AI research and development while simultaneously reducing headcount in specific areas, suggesting a strategic pivot toward more focused, efficient operations rather than a retreat from artificial intelligence.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the timing of Meta's investment in Scale AI. The investment occurred in June 2025, not July.