Mark Zuckerberg is back in the news, this time for his plan to cut over 3,600 jobs—around five percent of Meta’s workforce—focusing on what he refers to as the company’s “lowest performers.” This move has faced backlash, as Zuckerberg intends to refill these roles later in the year, adhering to a profit-centric strategy.

“I’ve opted to elevate performance management standards and expedite the removal of low-performers,” Zuckerberg mentioned in an internal memo, as cited by *Bloomberg*. “Historically, we manage out individuals who fail to meet expectations over a year, but this time we’re adopting more aggressive performance-based reductions during this cycle.”

As reported by *CNBC*, those affected by this decision will be informed by February 10, allowing them a month to brace for the possible consequences. Those let go will supposedly receive severance packages akin to those given during Meta’s extensive layoffs in 2022, when almost a quarter of the workforce was let go. During that round, Meta offered 16 weeks of base salary, two extra weeks for every year served (with no limit), full compensation for unused PTO, six months of healthcare, three months of career assistance, and help with immigration processes.

This announcement comes on the heels of a range of controversial policy shifts at Meta. Last week, Zuckerberg disclosed that the firm would replace fact-checkers with a “Community Notes” system, alarming civil and human rights groups. Opponents contend that this change might worsen the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and even incite violence on Meta’s platforms.

Additionally, Meta has reversed several other policies, igniting further controversy. The company has removed restrictions on certain types of hate speech, allowing posts that undermine women and ethnic minorities, among other provocative content. Meta has also rescinded diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, removed tampons from men’s restrooms in its offices in California, Texas, and New York, and erased trans and nonbinary themes from its Messenger app. Moreover, the company announced it would reinstate political content recommendations on Threads and Instagram.

These actions signify a notable transformation in Meta’s approach, prompting many to question the long-term effects on both employees and the users of its platforms.