Meta Cuts Thousands Globally, Replaces Privacy Teams with AI Amid Privacy Concerns

Meta is undergoing significant layoffs, cutting around 700 employees across its artificial intelligence and risk review divisions as part of a broader strategy to accelerate product development and streamline operations. The company is replacing many human roles in its risk and compliance teams with AI-driven systems to handle privacy reviews mandated by a 2019 FTC settlement following a $5 billion fine related to the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Meta's leadership, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer Alexandr Wang, emphasize that these reductions will speed decision-making and innovation by automating routine compliance checks. However, this shift has sparked internal and external concerns about whether automated processes can adequately replace human oversight in protecting user data and ensuring regulatory compliance. Michel Protti, Meta's Chief Privacy Officer, stated that the new automated system aims to improve compliance consistency and accuracy, though some insiders describe the changes as a "gutting" of essential privacy and integrity review functions. This transformation aligns with Zuckerberg's vision of making Meta a leaner, faster, and more AI-focused company, continuing the efficiency initiatives started in 2023.