Meta Layoffs Continue AI Push As Mark Zuckerberg Says Competing With AWS and Microsoft Azure Is ‘Definitely on the Table’

Meta is doubling down on artificial intelligence investments even after cutting thousands of jobs globally, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg now hinting that the company could eventually enter the cloud computing business to compete with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure.

During Meta’s annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday, Zuckerberg revealed that competing in cloud computing is “definitely on the table” as the company rapidly expands its AI infrastructure ambitions.

The comments come shortly after Meta reportedly cut around 8,000 jobs globally on May 20 while shifting nearly 7,000 employees into AI-focused teams. The company has also shut approximately 6,000 open positions as it redirects spending toward artificial intelligence projects and infrastructure. Meta Layoffs: Employee Laid Off 2 Weeks Ahead of Maternity Leave, Post Goes Viral on Social Media.

Meta Getting Requests for Cloud Compute

Zuckerberg said companies are increasingly approaching Meta for access to its AI infrastructure and computing capacity.

He said, as quoted by CNBC, “Almost every week there are different companies that come to us from outside asking us to both stand up an API service or asking if we have compute that they could buy from us at some premium to what we’ve bought it at.”

Cloud computing platforms provide servers, storage, networking, and computing power that companies use to run applications and AI systems. Popular AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini rely heavily on cloud infrastructure. Meta Plus Subscriptions Launched: Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp Get Premium Features; Company Expands 'Meta One' AI and Professional Plans.

Meta is currently the only major AI player without its own commercial cloud business, while Amazon, Microsoft, and Google Cloud already dominate the sector.

Zuckerberg Says Meta Could Sell Excess AI Infrastructure

According to Zuckerberg, Meta currently does not have extra cloud capacity available for outside customers. However, he suggested the company may enter the market if it eventually develops surplus infrastructure.

He added, “Obviously if we get to a point where we feel that we have overbuilt, then that is an option that we have, and that is partially what gives us confidence in investing in building this out.”

The company plans to invest between INR 10.4 lakh crore and INR 12 lakh crore approximately in AI-related capital expenditure this year, making it one of the largest AI infrastructure spenders globally.

AI Demand Driving Massive Compute Expansion

The demand for AI computing power has surged globally as companies race to develop advanced AI models and services.

Anthropic CFO Krishna Rao recently underlined the importance of computing infrastructure, saying on a podcast, “Compute that we procure is the lifeblood of our business. It is the most important thing in the company. It is the canvas on which everything else gets built.”

Meta is also reportedly preparing to test premium subscription plans for Meta AI in select markets as it looks to generate revenue from its growing AI ecosystem.

Despite the recent layoffs and restructuring, Zuckerberg has stated that Meta does not currently plan additional job cuts this year.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 28, 2026 08:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).