60 Facebook contractors laid off at random using algorithm

Facebook’s parent company Meta reportedly laid off 60 people at random using an algorithm. According to a Business Insider report, the contract workers were employed by Meta via the Texas office of Accenture – a firm that that provides the social media giant with staff in content moderation and business integrity.

This is the latest example of tech companies laying off employees. Putting a freeze on hiring amid an economic downturn that has affected the likes of Apple and Google.

The Facebook contractors were informed of their termination via a video call on Tuesday, August 16, reports Insider. The employees say no specific reasons were provided for their layoffs, besides being chosen “at random”. They were told that they would be out of a job starting September 2, while continuing to be paid through till October 3.

The report also stated that Accenture did not immediately offer alternative jobs to the workers. But they were told they could apply for any new positions that come up over the next fortnight. The layoffs come shortly after Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg warned employees. He warned “one of the worst downturns” in a meeting held June 30. “Realistically, there are probably a bunch of people at the company who shouldn’t be here,” he said.