Technology · India Bureau
Zuckerberg's plan to slash Meta workforce by 60% shelved
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg had envisioned a dramatic reduction in human employees through an AI-driven initiative, but ultimately decided against pursuing the aggressive workforce restructuring. The abandoned plan, internally known as Project OT, would have relied on artificial intelligence agents to handle tasks performed by thousands of staff members.
LSN India ·
Mark Zuckerberg's ambitious plan to reduce Meta's workforce by approximately 60 percent through automation has been set aside, according to reports about the social media giant's internal strategic discussions. The initiative, code-named Project OT, represented a significant shift in how the company viewed its human capital and the role of artificial intelligence in its operations.
Under the proposal, AI agents would have assumed responsibility for much of the routine work currently performed by Meta's existing employee base. The plan reflected broader industry trends toward leveraging machine learning and automation to optimize operational costs and improve efficiency. However, the company ultimately determined that pursuing such a dramatic restructuring would not align with its long-term business objectives.
The decision to shelve Project OT underscores the complex balance technology companies face when implementing AI systems. While automation promises significant cost savings and operational improvements, companies must also contend with workforce stability, competitive talent retention, and the need for human expertise in areas where artificial intelligence remains limited.
Meta, which operates major platforms including Facebook and Instagram with significant user bases across South Asia, continues to navigate the challenges of maintaining innovation while managing organizational structures. The company previously underwent workforce reductions in 2022, laying off roughly 13 percent of its staff as it adjusted to changing market conditions and advertising dynamics.