The group Meta (Facebook, Instagram) decided to eliminate around 600 positions in its department dedicated to artificial intelligence (TN), as part of the rationalization of its operation, after a series of recruitments, American media reported yesterday Wednesday.

The decision of the management of Meta aims, according to a publication of the New York Times newspaper, to reduce “organizational bloat”following a recruitment drive to strengthen its IT capabilities.

Most of the workers affected by the job cuts will be offered the opportunity to change departments, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Both papers cited an internal memo from the group’s chief IT officer, Alexander Wang, which said the removals would ensure that it will require “less discussion to make decisions.”

Meta did not immediately respond when asked by AFP for comment.

Mark Zuckerberg’s group is investing heavily in AI as the entrepreneur looks to gain ground on rivals in the race for “superintelligence,” hypothetical technology with superior-human cognitive abilities, Silicon Valley’s holy grail.

In mid-September, Meta introduced connected glasses, which include a built-in screen and extensive AI capabilities, continuing the bet of merging the real with the “virtual” (digital) world.

The group announced in August that it was creating a California fund to fund local candidates advocating less stringent IT regulation, citing competition from China.