2025 tech layoffs: Amazon, Microsoft, Google fuel job fears amid AI push

India Today

18-07-2025

Amazon has laid off a huge chunk of its employees from its AWS cloud division. The exact number remains uncertain, reported Reuters.Other tech giants like Microsoft, Google, Intel and Meta also joins the trail.The year 2025 was supposed to be a new chapter. A time when artificial intelligence promised smarter work, faster growth, and a better future.But for tens of thousands of workers across the world, it has meant sleepless nights, and uncertain futures. From the glass towers of Microsoft in Redmond to Intel's chip plants in Oregon, from Amazon's cloud hubs in Hyderabad to Disney offices in Mumbai - Job loss has turned into a global layoff wave.advertisementAWS LAYOFFS DESPITE STRONG REVENUE
According to Reuters, Amazon has laid off hundreds of employees from its AWS cloud computing division, with affected departments including support, training, and cloud specialist units.Despite strong revenue from AWS (a 17% increase in Q1), Amazon continues to trim costs across its business verticals.The report highlights that laid-off employees will receive 60 days' pay, extended health benefits, and severance.MICROSOFT LAYS OFF 9,000 EMPLOYEES AS AI TAKES OVERIn early July, Microsoft also confirmed another round of layoffs. Around 9,000 people, nearly 4% of its workforce to be cut.Seattle Times reported Microsoft had pledged $80 billion in capital spending for its fiscal year 2025. However, the soaring cost of scaling its AI infrastructure has weighed on its margins, with its June quarter cloud margin expected to shrink from last year. Microsoft plans to reduce organisational layers with fewer managers and streamline its products, procedures and roles.'The company's shift from human-led sales to AI-powered solution engineering marks a changing tide,' reports Windows Central.GOOGLE INTRODUCES VOLUNTARY EXIT PROGRAMOn the other hand, Google has introduced 'Voluntary Exit Program' amid restructuring rather than immediate job terminations. This was introduced for U.S.-based employees, particularly in the Search, Ads, and Engineering teams.According to The Economic Times, the move comes alongside office return mandates and aims to reduce headcount without forced terminations.All of these layoffs have one thing in common - the revolution of AI. Instead of using human-intensive procedures and traditional hierarchies, businesses are opting for automation, machine learning, and leaner digital-first approaches.Separately, Bloomberg News revealed that Microsoft's King subsidiary, based in Barcelona and home to the Candy Crush video game, is laying off roughly 200 employees, or 10% of its workforce.Job layoffs have also been reported by Big Tech peers that are making significant investments in artificial intelligence. Leaving people in a dilemma of what their future beholds after being cut from one of the world's largest MNC.Earlier this year, Facebook's parent company Meta said that it will lay off roughly 5% of its "lowest performers.""We are at the beginning of a new era of work. AI is both a disruptor and a creator," said a former Microsoft HR executive in Business Insider, urging laid-off workers to upskill rather than panic.advertisementAs global tech giants invest heavily in AI, the demand is shifting toward AI/ML specialists, data engineers, product designers with tech adaptability and digital content/marketing strategists with automation knowledge.These numbers represent actual human stories of first-generation IT workers, single-income families, and mid-career professionals. These employees are going through a psychological shift in how they see job security in addition to financial stress.- Ends