The wave of layoffs in the global technology sector is gaining momentum. In the first quarter of 2026, 95 companies laid off over 73,200 employees, according to data from Layoffs.fyi. The main motivation is business restructuring influenced by AI. Corporations are reallocating budgets towards automation and IT infrastructure while simultaneously downsizing traditional divisions. If this trend continues, the annual job losses will be significantly higher.
The largest share of layoffs occurred in the cloud computing sector, corporate software development, and SaaS companies. Following closely are e-commerce companies, forced to combat slowing growth and optimize their cost structures. Many corporations are reorganizing teams, with projects related to AI receiving priority.
Geographically, the United States has been the hardest hit, accounting for the majority of global layoffs since the beginning of the year. While layoffs on a smaller scale have also affected several European and Asian markets, segments such as semiconductors, telecommunications, and IT services have been under pressure.
Analysts warn against oversimplified interpretations of the situation. In many cases, companies are implementing layoffs preventively to reduce costs rather than directly replacing staff with AI. Nonetheless, AI is increasingly influencing staffing decisions—both regarding hiring new employees and laying off existing ones—indicating a structural change in operational models and resource allocation principles within the industry.
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Source: 3dnews.ru
