Tech Industry Cuts 115,000 Jobs Amid AI Investment Surge

More than 150 technology companies have eliminated about 115,000 positions in 2026, with Meta highlighted as a prominent example of large‑scale staff reductions. Data from Layoffs.fyi shows 116,739 tech workers were dismissed that year, while firms such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google and Meta are redirecting roughly $700 billion into artificial‑intelligence infrastructure, especially new data‑center construction.

The contrast between massive layoffs and multimillion‑dollar AI spending has sparked employee protests, including a demonstration by Amazon staff outside Seattle City Hall after the city voted to pause new data‑center projects for a year. Similar concerns about water, energy use and urban impact are being voiced across multiple U.S. states, and calls for stricter regulations and corporate taxes are growing.

The wave of job cuts is being reported from Spain and Mexico, underscoring the global scope of the restructuring within the tech sector.