Meta braces for 8,000-person layoff May 20, restructures into AI pods, launches WhatsApp Incognito Chat

Meta is preparing to cut 8,000 jobs (~10% of staff) on May 20, restructuring remaining staff into AI 'pods' with new titles like 'AI builder' and 'AI pod lead.' Simultaneously, the company launched Incognito Chat — a private Meta AI mode on WhatsApp built on Private Processing so conversations stay invisible to Meta — and Muse Spark voice/image upgrades. A former employee described a 'doomsday' atmosphere internally.