Meta Scrapped Plan to Replace Staff with AI

Meta scrapped a plan to replace staff with AI after agents caused "disruptive actions."

Mark Zuckerberg had a plan to replace Meta staff with AI, which ultimately "imploded." This initiative, referred to as Project OT, involved using AI agents to automate workflows and create an "AI native" company. Under these scenarios, Meta would have reduced its headcount, with one HR executive reportedly stating a potential reduction of 25 percent or more. Meta told Reuters that Project OT was canceled before determining the exact number of layoffs.

AI agents meant to replace Meta workers made “large-scale, disruptive actions,” according to reports. The plan also included restructuring engineering, research, and at least eight other teams into smaller groups. An internal post, "AI-Native Playbook," outlined how the pilot would remove middle management and use "agent-assisted analysis" for daily tasks. While HR employees and "AI systems" were intended to assist leaders with promotion decisions, Meta clarified that performance ratings and promotions are made by people.

Immediately after issuing May layoffs, Zuckerberg reportedly canceled a subsequent November wave. Meta was going to use savings from layoffs to pay high-performing employees, particularly those with AI engineering skills. The company has also started selling AI agents to third parties, beginning in June.

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