**Meta Plans to Cut 20 Percent of Staff Amid Rising Costs and Shifting Priorities** In a move that has sent shockwaves through the tech industry, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is reportedly planning to lay off up to 20 percent of its workforce. This development comes as the company faces increasing costs associated with its AI and data center initiatives, as well as a shift in focus away from virtual reality and the metaverse. According to sources familiar with the matter, the layoffs could affect as many as 15,800 employees, marking the largest series of job cuts at Meta since the company let go of 22,000 workers within a span of just a few months in 2022 and 2023. The move is seen as a response to the company's growing expenses, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence and data center infrastructure. In recent times, Meta has been investing heavily in AI talent acquisition, data center development, and strategic acquisitions such as the purchase of Moltbook. However, these efforts have been accompanied by controversy surrounding the company's smart glasses, chatbots, and their impact on teenagers. This has led to increased scrutiny and criticism of the company's priorities. When reached for comment, a Meta spokesperson, Andy Stone, dismissed the reports as "speculative" and "theoretical." However, the company's plans to reduce its workforce are likely to have significant implications for its employees and the broader tech industry. For Nigerian readers, this development is particularly noteworthy given the country's growing tech sector and the increasing presence of Meta and other global tech giants in the African market. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how companies like Meta navigate the challenges of rising costs and shifting priorities while maintaining their commitment to innovation and growth.