Google Announces Mass Layoffs Affecting 12,000 Employees

Google has become the latest major tech company to implement significant job cuts, following in the footsteps of Microsoft and Amazon, with plans to eliminate 12,000 positions. According to a memo sent by CEO Sundar Pichai to employees on Friday, the layoffs will commence immediately in the US, with other countries to follow, albeit at a slower pace due to varying legal and regulatory requirements. Pichai noted that during the past two years, the company experienced remarkable growth, leading to hiring based on a different economic outlook than what is currently prevailing. He expressed confidence in the company's future prospects, driven by its strong mission, valuable products and services, and early investments in artificial intelligence, but acknowledged that tough decisions are necessary to capitalize on emerging opportunities. The company's focus on AI was a recurring theme, with Pichai highlighting its substantial potential to enhance Google's offerings. This move comes on the heels of the company's decision to discontinue its Stadia game streaming service, which was initially announced in September, barely two years after its launch.