Meta sued over AI-driven layoffs as CEO touts superintelligence ambitions

Twenty‑six former Meta employees have filed a lawsuit claiming the company used an artificial‑intelligence system that disproportionately selected workers with disabilities or on medical leave for termination. The claims relate to a mass‑layoff round in May that cut about 8,000 staff, roughly 10% of Meta’s workforce. Meta’s human‑resources chief said the cuts were part of efforts to improve efficiency as the firm ramps up AI spending, which is projected at $115‑$135 billion in 2026 and includes a multibillion‑dollar chip deal with AMD.

At the same time, CEO Mark Zuckerberg outlined Meta’s strategic focus on artificial superintelligence, describing the creation of Meta Superintelligence Labs and the goal of building systems that augment human capabilities rather than replace workers. He said the technology could arrive within years, positioning Meta to compete with rivals such as OpenAI, Google and Microsoft.