92,000 Tech Sector Workers Fall Victim to Layoffs, April 2026 the Worst!
Jakarta, VIVA – A storm of layoffs in the technology sector has resulted in more than 92,000 employees from 98 companies worldwide losing their jobs. April 2026 was recorded as the worst period in the last two years, with cuts affecting 45,800 workers.
Tech giants such as Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, and Snap have collectively implemented workforce efficiencies. This phenomenon has created a massive wave of layoffs unprecedented since the post-pandemic industry correction phase, which began in 2022–2023.
The most frequently cited reason by major companies is the surge in investments in artificial intelligence (AI). Now, technology firms are competing to pour huge funds into building data centres and computing infrastructure, necessitating cost reductions, including in the workforce.
Meta Platforms Cuts Thousands of Employees
The company led by young billionaire Mark Zuckerberg, Meta Platforms, is one of the tech corporations with the largest number of layoffs. On 22 April 2026, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram announced plans to streamline around 8,000 employees.
This number equates to 10 per cent of the total global workforce, to begin on 20 May 2026. Additionally, around 6,000 vacant positions will not be filled.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg openly told employees that the company must choose between AI infrastructure spending and workforce costs. The company’s management has prepared capital expenditure (capex) of up to US$135 billion for AI expansion.
“We have two main cost centres: computing infrastructure and employees. If we increase one, we must reduce the other,” Zuckerberg said, quoted from the Times of India on Monday, 4 May 2026.
Snap and Microsoft Jointly Streamline Workforce
Snap has also taken drastic steps by cutting around 1,000 employees, or 16 per cent of the workforce. The company assesses that AI can generate more than 65 per cent of new code, thus reducing the need for teams.
Meanwhile, Microsoft has opted for a different approach by offering an early retirement programme or buyout to around 7 per cent of employees in the US. Although it appears voluntary, the company emphasised that the overall workforce will still decrease.
Amazon and Oracle Conduct Layoffs to Cut Costs